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"YOU'RE...YOU'RE RANKED 7? Like...you're part of the top ten? How?!" Max exclaims, looking at Kim Hee-joon in disbelief.

     Joon glances at his profile on the tablet and sighs. "I was ranked 6 before I joined C1A. Looks like I got demoted," Joon casually explains, surprising Max even more. He couldn't believe that Joon had a high chance of becoming a member of the student council. But what's more surprising is that he basically didn't move from his position after all those years. It's making Max wonder how many points Joon has that others couldn't even surpass him to this day.

     "Paradox wanted me to enter the Elites," Joon suddenly explains before Max could even say anything. "Levi was already the vice, but they hoped to make me the president. They wanted me to replace Grey but I couldn't reach his points. Even with the combined points that Paradox and Checkmate, along with all the competitions I was forced to compete in, I still couldn't enter the top five in time."

     Max looks at Joon in surprise. This is the first time he directly mentioned Paradox with him, so he wasn't expecting an explanation. But now that Joon did explain it, Max couldn't help but feel bad. So Joon was forced to do all those contests so he could win points. Now it makes sense.

     "Is that why you no longer use a bow and arrow when you fight?" Max asks.

      Joon takes a deep breath and looks out the window again before looking down at his fingers which were once covered in bruises from all the training he did. He didn't receive the title of the leader with the highest shooting accuracy because he was naturally good at it. He received that title because he was forced to be good at it. 

     Joon didn't even have to answer the question for Max to understand that the leader would rather get his fingers broken than do archery again.

     "The members of Archers...Yun Donghyun particularly...they always lost to me during competitions. Be it from regionals to nationals, they always lost. They trained since they were kids but they still lost to someone who despises the sport. That's why they don't particularly like me. And I don't blame them either. I was desperate. If I didn't win they'd–" Joon paused, and Max saw the sad expression on his face.

     "So now you use a gun," Max says so Joon doesn't have to finish his sentence. "It's the one you have on you, right? That's yours."

     "No, I never owned a gun," Joon then explains. "The one I use is Viktor's, while Viktor uses my dagger. We don't usually use our own weapons during battle," he adds, surprising Max even more. Now that he thinks about it, Viktor does use a dagger that doesn't really seem like a Stepanov would use, while Joon uses a gun that doesn't entirely fit his image either.

     "That's very interesting. I know you two are bad for each other but I guess I can admit that's pretty symbolic. You're using each other's weapons to hurt someone. How poetic," Max says, and Joon couldn't even tell if he was being sarcastic or not.

     "But the gun I have now isn't Viktor's original gun. His old one...I–" Joon paused again, but this time, Max didn't ask anything about it anymore. He knew that if he pressed on, Joon might unlock something that he was not supposed to remember, so Max cleared his throat and tried changing the subject.

     "You know, our ranks are pretty close to each other. In fact, I don't even know if I'm still ranked 5, but if I'm still in the top 10 and you're still a white uniform, then we'll have a lot of opportunity to get to know each other," Max says, and thankfully, the expression on Joon's face changes back to normal.

     "Why would you want to get to know me more?" Joon asks, acting as if Max had ulterior motives.

     "Here we go again," Max responds with a sigh, putting the tablet down and looking back at Joon. "I don't know how you were raised but people try to get to know each other so they could get acquainted with each other. We usually talk about our life or what we like or don't like, a casual conversation like that."

     Joon stares at Max in silence and blinks, making Max feel like this entire thing with him and Joon is never going to progress. But just as he was about to give up, Joon began to share...

     "When I was a child, people weren't allowed to approach me, nor look me in the eye. Apart from owning a company, I was a direct descendant of the royal family in South Korea, while my brothers came from different mothers or what we used to call, concubines. When Janus sent me an invitation to enroll, my family didn't like the idea. I had to beg my mother just so I could study in this country," Joon suddenly explains, almost making Max's jaw drop.

     "W-What the–"

     "I learned English for a year, but I got better when I started studying at J.S High. I was even–"

     "Wait! Why are you suddenly telling me this?" Max cuts off.

     "You said this is how you become acquainted with someone," Joon replies, and Max massages his temple while his butler tries not to laugh again because of how innocent-sounding their conversation is becoming.

     "Levi said you were hotheaded. Now I don't even know what you are anymore," Max says.

     "And what does that supposed to mean?" Joon asks back with an angry tone, proving Max's point. But just before the two could start bickering like kids again, they finally arrived at the Sinclaire Residence, and Étienne parked the car in front of the entrance.

     "Anyway, let's talk about our game plan regarding Siren and the possible third suspect. I'll ask the maids to clean the study room, and then let's meet up after you change your clothes," Max says, not even waiting for Joon's response as he immediately steps out of the car, running back inside the mansion.

     Joon takes a deep breath and heads out of the car as well, turning to the black vans that were driving through the gate as well, noticing that they've been following them since this morning.

     "They're the special guard unit. Master Denzel ordered them to follow Master Leigh around twenty-four-seven. I hope you don't feel troubled by them," Étienne suddenly explains as he stands beside Joon.

     Joon turns to the loyal butler and examines him. Joon has heard of the Lemieux family and how they're known for their butlers. It's common knowledge that the family doesn't just hire regular help. Those working for the Lemieux specifically are like agents, assassins, and investigators all in one. It's even rumored that they're chosen at a young age so they can get trained early. That's also the reason why the Lemieux are said to have the cleanest hands. It's because their butlers do all the dirty work for them.

     "With you around, I don't even think they're necessary," Joon seriously says, glancing at the special guard unit before looking back at Étienne who was eerily grinning at him from ear to ear.

     "You think so?" Étienne simply asks, making Joon unconsciously gulp. Joon almost felt a cold shiver down his spine as he continued to look at the butler, so before things got out of hand, Joon immediately turned around and ran inside the house, leaving Étienne who had eyes scarier than Viktor could ever show.

     "Sir Kim, Master Leigh asked me if there's a specific tea that you'd like us to serve you in the study," one the of maids suddenly asked as soon as Joon entered the lobby area.

     Joon is about to answer, but then his phone vibrates in his pocket. He pulls his phone out to check the message. At first, he thought it wasn't anything important, but as soon as he read what and who the message came from, Joon couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock, his hands clenching on his phone like he didn't know what else to do.

     "M-Max..." Joon says, lifting his head back up to look at the maid. "Can you please call Max? It's urgent. Hurry."

...

"We have a problem!" Blade shouted, running inside the 2nd level of Dante's Inferno where Killshot and the rest of the members of Pretty, Hot, and Dangerous were found.

      "What the hell is your problem now?" Killshot asks while sharpening his dagger.

     Blade, who was panting heavily after running all his way here, looks at his brothers in a panic and finally reveals, "Tanis just called. Our king...Viktor...he's coming. He's coming to St. George Academy!"

     The members of PHD immediately got up from their seats, looking at Blade like he was joking, but the look on Blade's face told them otherwise. Viktor never visited St. George Academy even when PHD first moved in, so for him to come personally, something was definitely wrong, and the members knew exactly what it was.

     "Well, what the fuck did our leader do now?" Ren Adachi asks while biting an apple.

     Dangerous Five was about to leave the dorm, but Killshot–their current leader–got up from his feet first and looked at them with a serious expression, "Stay here. No matter what happens, you will not show yourself to him."

     "We get it. Go," Akihiko Sakuraii then adds.

     Killshot grabs his knife before looking at Blade and nodding his head to him. Without saying anything else, the two of them finally head upstairs, walking out of Dante's Inferno and immediately making their way to the Saints' Haven.

     "Wasn't Joon supposed to be hidden until he's officially announced as a white uniform?" Killshot asks.

     "That was supposed to be the plan! That's what Hedeon told me before they left," Blade then answers.

     Killshot takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself so he doesn't have to panic like his current right-hand man. Killshot and Viktor don't exactly have the best relationship, so it would be hard for him to handle the situation on behalf of Joon. After all, the only reason why Viktor is allowing PHD to stay so close to Busters all those years is because Kim Hee-joon is their leader.

     "So what do we do? Should we lie? Tell him Joon is sick?" Blade asks.

     The two of them finally arrive in front of the Saints' dormitory, and without any hesitation, he pulls out the crown brooch in his collar and hides it in his pocket. Soon after, he bangs on the door, and within seconds, President Justice Thorndyke welcomes them while holding a cup of coffee, dark circles practically covering his eyes because of the amount of work he's been doing since Levi left.

     "Lords, I am pretty busy right now since we still don't have a vice president, so if you're only here to–"

     "Viktor is coming," Killshot reveals, and in an instant, Justice drops his cup, making it shatter on the floor.

     "I think I lack too much sleep now because I almost thought you said–"

     "Viktor is coming," Blade repeats, and this time, Justice's jaw drops in complete disbelief.

     "N-No, you're lying. Why would Viktor come here? Why on earth would he..." While Justice was trying his best not to have a mental breakdown, his eyes suddenly widened in shock when he realized the only reason why Viktor would even want to step foot in their house. "He found out that Kim Hee-joon isn't here anymore, didn't he? He's coming here to check."

     Blade and Killshot didn't answer anymore, but Justice knew that he was right. So, without wasting any more time, the council president started walking back inside, the two lords following behind him. The three of them then arrived at their office where the rest of the Saints were found.

     "What's going on?" Secretary Perseus Odair asks, putting his pen down to look at their surprise guests.

     "The king, Viktor, is making a visit," Justice answers for them, and in an instant, the members of the Saints looked at their president like he was crazy.

     "V-Viktor Stepanov? He's coming...h-here?" School Representative Martin Osborn asks, his body trembling at the mere mention of the king. Martin was always proud of himself, but after what happened during the exchange program, and after his experience in the House of Kings, Martin would rather die now than face anyone in J.S High again, especially if it's a brotherhood member.

     "He's out to get me. He's here to finish the job! We're doomed!" Martin says in a panic, making Treasurer Adam Hall hit the back of his head with the pen he's holding.

     "Calm the fuck down," Adam says. "It's probably because of Kim Hee-joon."

     "Glad the Saints aren't filled with idiots," Killshot mumbles, making Justice glare at him.

     "Anyway, we should just tell them that he's not here. Simple as that," Adam then suggests.

      "I stand corrected," Killshot retracted before approaching the rest of the council members. "Our leader is not officially a white uniform yet. He'll only be declared as one tomorrow, so technically it still makes him a brotherhood member. If Viktor finds out that we've been hiding this from him, do you know what he can do to PHD? Or worse, to all the brotherhoods here?"

     "Viktor created the Brotherhood Protection Code, along with the Brotherhood Customs. Within these codes, he created the Rules of Monarchy," Blade explains next.

     "Rules of Monarchy?" Adam Hall asks in confusion.

     "Gosh, I'm leading a bunch of idiots!" Justice exclaims as he starts looking through the file cabinet. "If you all have noticed, the brotherhoods have titles. We have the soldiers, the captains, and then the knights, followed by the lords, and lastly the barons, counts, dukes, and of course, the royals, the princes, and the kings. When Viktor proposed the BPC, the Rules of Monarchy were part of it. The higher your title or rank is as a brotherhood, the more power you have over the students," Justice explains further, surprising Adam and Martin since they never really cared about the brotherhoods before...until now.

     "It's clear as day that both of you didn't attend your Brotherhood Classes," Perseus then complains before adding, "Brotherhoods who are ranked higher have more perks. Look at it as White Uniforms. The higher-ranking students are part of the council, and the council has the most control over everyone else. Now imagine what Viktor, a king, can do."

     "I'm guessing a lot," Martin says, and all Justice and Perseus can do is sigh in defeat.

     "I really should get my proposal for the Saints ele–"

     "Let's worry about that next time," Killshot interrupts. "We need to think of a plan. You know damn well you can't deny Viktor entry. You have to welcome him here whether you like it or not."

     "I know, that's why I'm looking for that goddamn paper!" Justice exclaimed, practically throwing other folders out of the cabinet so he could better find what he was looking for.

     "And how will that goddamn paper help?" Killshot asks with his arms crossed.

     Justice continues rummaging through the file cabinets as he explains, "When I became the president, the first thing I did was look through Klyde's things. Well, what's left of it since the Ministry cleared it out before I could even find anything useful. But anyway, there were a few files that got left behind. I think the Ministry thought they were useless, but with God's luck, I actually found this written treaty with the House of Kings. It was signed by Paradox, but the seal is from J.S High. I might still be able to use that," Justice explains, surprising the rest of the Saints since they didn't know such a document even existed.

     "Anyway, help me find it and–" Before Justice could even finish his sentence, the telephone on his desk suddenly started ringing, startling everyone who was in the office.

     Justice looks at the phone and gulps. He was afraid to pick it up since it might be a call from Viktor, but after a while, he finally dared to answer the call.

     "Hello?" Justice asks, trying not to sound nervous. 

     Everyone was watching carefully as Justice's neutral expression changed to relief. After nodding his head several times, he finally says, "Okay. Thank you...god thank you. I won't forget this." 

     Justice puts the phone down and releases a breath of relief. "Looks like we don't have to worry. Viktor won't be coming here anymore," Justice explains surprising the others.

      "What do you mean?"

...

"Have you called St. George Academy and informed them about my visit?" Viktor asks, looking at Tanis who was sitting beside him in the car, pretending to be calling Justice Thorndyke, but the truth was, he was trying to stall his leader.

     "I can't seem to contact them," Tanis lies.

     "Well, it doesn't matter. It's better if it's a surprise anyway. That way, they wouldn't have time to hide anything from me," Viktor seriously says, making Tanis swallow the lump in his throat because of how nervous he was about their leader's rash decision.

     Tanis and Hedeon are the only members of Busters who know about Kim Hee-joon. It's not that they want to lie to Viktor, it's just that now isn't the time to tell him the truth. There's also the fact that Joon wanted them to keep it a secret until he's ready. Because if Viktor finds out that Joon is now a white uniform, Viktor might do something that everyone in their house will definitely regret.

     "Viktor, I don't understand why you want to do this all of a sudden," Tanis says as Viktor pulls out his dagger, admiring it as his fingers carefully slide down its blade.

     "I just want to confirm something," Viktor says, staring at the dagger for a couple of seconds before remembering what happened in the courtyard with Max and that supposed Jack. Viktor couldn't put two and two together yet, but he felt something strange about the entire encounter. There was something that he was obviously missing. He just couldn't tell what.

     "Confirm what exactly?" Tanis continues to ask.

      Viktor was silent for a second, but then, as he stared at his reflection in the dagger, he suddenly asked,  "Do you know why I gave you the title of Serpent, Tanis? There's the noble king, the humble, the destroyer, the conqueror, but you're the only one who is different."

     Tanis doesn't answer so Viktor puts the dagger down and turns to him. Viktor looks Tanis straight in the eye, a bead of sweat now streaming down from Tanis's forehead, his composure different from what others are used to seeing him in.  But just when Tanis was moments away from breaking, the car suddenly stopped. Viktor sighed and turned away before looking at the front of the car to see what happened.

     "Master! My apologies!" The driver begins to beg before Viktor can even say anything.

     Viktor hides his dagger and leans to the front. A bright light makes him squint, but as soon as the light disappears, his confused expression turns into an impressed grin. Because in front of them was a car with a very familiar family logo.

      "Well well well...what the fuck is this bastard doing here?" Viktor says as he quickly heads out of the car.

     The door of the car parked in front of them opened as well, and Viktor was welcomed by a man who he was not very happy to meet, especially at this hour.

     "Sorry, were you in a hurry?" the man asks, almost making Viktor burst out in laughter.

     "Oh you're already getting on my nerves and I haven't even asked anything yet," Viktor says, his grin slowly turning into something more menacing.

     While Viktor was staring at the man, Tanis ran out of the car as well to see what was going on, but as soon as he saw who was in front of Viktor, his eyes immediately opened up in shock and disbelief, and before he knew it, he was already drawing his gun out, pointing it at the tall figure in front of them. This was not the person he was expecting to see at all. 

     "Wow, it's been a while since we've seen each other and the first thing you do is point a gun at me?" the man asks.

     "You better be grateful that it's only a gun and not a bullet," Viktor says as he finally approaches the man in front of him. "I'm not in a very good mood, but I'm giving you a chance. I told you to never show your face to me again, didn't I? Then why the fuck are you standing in front of me now...Jontell Rosario."

- END -