Loop: Argent Dogma

Klara Excavre sat at the far corner of the last row, hoping no one would notice her.

She had an extreme dislike of attention, which was mostly because her father was one of the most successful men in the world. She took a quick glance at her codex and checked the time.

The door slid open, and the new first year residents of the Backwaters entered, engaged in a somewhat light conversation.

She barely glanced at them and returned to fiddling with her codex. Some fifteen minutes later, a beautiful female dressed smartly walked into the room, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm the homeroom teacher for the Collector's Hall, Eva Sharpe." A bunch of murmurs sprouted at left corner of the class where Klara, Ed, Charles and Harry were seated.

"Sharpe? Is she..." Eva cleared her throat, and everyone went silent. "Before I begin the class, I would like to make you aware of a few things.

The second years were supposed to be the group handling this year's interschools competition, but they've been sent to Catalyst Island for a special training programme.

In view of that, orders from Ex. Vox's top brass are for the first years produce two candidates who will accompany the first-year student council candidates as representatives for Ex. Vox in the competition.

So, there'll be a battle royale among the halls of Ex. Vox to determine the two who will represent Ex. Vox during the interschool's event."

A hand shot up from the middle row. "How does a hall pick their pairs?" "At the homeroom teacher's discretion. Any more questions?"

No one said anything. "Good, now onto our lesson for the day." Halfway through her lesson, her codex pinged.

The entire class was still focused on the lesson and were taking notes without noticing that Eva had stopped teaching. She frowned slightly.

At the end of the class, the bell rang. "That's enough for today. Harrison Argent." Eva called out. Harry raised his hand. "Come with me." Harry blinked in confusion.

The two of them exited the classroom last and took a turn that Harry had never seen any student use before. "Where are we going?" Harry asked.

"The faculty office. There's someone who wants to meet you." Her reply was curt, signifying the end of the conversation. Harry sighed in resignation.

They came to a door, and Eva lightly rapped on it. "Enter." A male voice beckoned them in. When the entered, Harry came face to face with James Excavre, the owner and C.E.O. of Excorp.

The room they were in was in itself a work of art, with hue glass windows for viewing the outside, and a study table ad a chemistry laboratory to boot.

Returning to James, his presence radiated power and authority. He held a wine glass loosely in his left hand, with the liquid swishing in it silently.

The suit that brought Harry was standing at one corner of the room in silence, observing. "What did you want with me? Harry asked.

"Before that," He paused to look at Sharpe. "What are you still doing here? I made myself absolutely clear that I wanted to see just the boy, no?" Eva's face was emotionless, not that Harry himself could tell.

"I'm here to prevent untoward behaviour from and towards my student." "Growing a sharp tongue, are we?" James' voice had gotten dangerously low, with his eyes obtaining a purple hue.

Eva's eyes glazed over. "Go any further and I'll consider this a threat." James leaned back in his chair, his eyes regaining their natural brown colour.

He sighed, running a finger through his soft tussle of brown hair. "Biting the hand that feeds you is never a good idea, Sharpe." Eva shrugged. "From where I'm standing, it's called doing a good job, sir."

A devilish smirk made its way to his face as he turned to Harry. "Imagine my surprise when Sebastien here informed me of Pratt's death. Caused by blood loss, was stabbed multiple times with a screwdriver."

He levelled his gaze at Harry. "You killed one of my precious doctors." The floorboards began to creak. Sebastien and Eva groaned slightly and got down one knee.

What's going on? Harry looked about and saw Sebastien and Eva on one knee. He rubbed his eyes. My vision, it's contorting. Why? He looked at James and let out a small gasp of realisation.

He can increase the gravity around him?! Wait, so why isn't it working on me? Is it intentional, or is my ability...? Let's test it out. Your precious doctor helped you kil my mom, so it's only fair to pay you back.

"Quite the mouth you've got there, kid. I'd be careful if I were you though. There ain't no one around to mourn for you if you die." The creaking and unintelligible protests grew louder.

He increased the gravity, and as I thought, it still has no effect on me. What does he think about this? Probably that I've got talent. 

Harry smirked. I'm immune to his ability. What an interesting turn of events. "I've decided. I'll kil you too. That'll make my life a little less dark."

James' smirk returned to his face. "I'll remember you, boy. I'll allow you to live for now, so entertain me." He lifted his gravity and relaxed in his seat.

"I look forward to seeing your performance at the inter-schools' tournament." He waved his and shooed Harry and Eva out of the office.

"Well, that went well. So, mind telling me how you were able to withstand his gravity?" "I think that's my mutant ability." She seems to hate him just as much as I do. I suppose I can work with that.

"Help me out. I want to kill him." Harry said. Eva sighed. "No can do. I'm a teacher that works under him. I won't stop you though. It's beneficial for me."

"That's good to know." The two of them walked out unto the path where everyone used. "You can find your way from here on, right?"

"Don't treat me like a child." Harry said, pocketing his hands and walking in the direction of Charles and Ed, who was waving him over.

"So, mind telling us what went on with you and Miss Eva's secret rendezvous?" "Our secret rendezvous?" Harry was confused.

"She called you over personally, and the two of you had a private lil' chat, no?" Ugh. "No. Where are we going for lunch?" "How boring." "That is a good question, though. Where are we going for lunch?"