VAGABOND

XXIV: TEETH

» [Six Men One Casket - Craig Xen] «
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"So you're representing Buaisōna today?" Kendo Rama asked, nodding.

"Yeah, I guess so." Kure replied with a chuckle.

"Go ahead and introduce yourself to everyone." Kendo encouraged.

Kure cleared his throat. "Kure Iguxen, Rank 8, Function: Combat..."

Kendo quickly observed his form, noting that Kure's build was more solid than the average student of his rank and age. He grunted. "Figures—"

"—Spectrum..." Kure smirked. "Canid Projection." His stats appeared beside his head.

Sutō pursed his lips, then chuckled. "Since when did he develop a spectrum?"

"What's Canid?" Kūrī asked, jokingly.

Kamiwaii studied Kure's expression, noticing the arrogance, and smiled. "Just keep watching."

Kendo scoffed, letting out a light chuckle. "Canid Projection?" He nodded, looking far above the auditorium at a medium-sized, tented window centered on the wall. Tilting his head, he pursed his lips in disbelief, his expression bearing a look of waiting approval. A large figure appeared in the window, standing still before nodding in one fluid motion.

Kendo chuckled to himself. "Show us what you got." He said with a smirk.

It became eerily quiet.

Breaking the silence, Kure began to whistle a high-pitched tune, causing most of the students in the front rows—especially those with the Hyperacusis function—to cower and cover their ears, wincing in discomfort. Murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd, a few students shooting each other uneasy glances. As Kure continued, he alternated the pitch, shifting from a high octave to a low one.

From a distance, the sounds of aggressive barking echoed through the building, sending a ripple of fear across the auditorium. The rapid tapping of claws on linoleum grew louder until three muscular Pit Bulls burst through the auditorium doors, startling nearly everyone in the room. A collective gasp filled the air, followed by frantic shuffling as students in the nearest rows leaned back or tried to get away.

Kure maintained his tune as the dogs circled the outer rows, barking fiercely. The tension was thick; some students froze in fear, while others whispered anxiously to their neighbors. After a moment, the dogs bounded up the stage steps, settling at Kure's feet with an almost unnerving obedience.

The room fell into a tense silence.

On the far left stood the largest of the trio, with dark fur that seemed to bristle with each breath. Its muscles rippled visibly beneath its coat, it barring all of his sharp yellowed teeth. The intensity in its eyes conveyed a fierce readiness, like it was daring anyone to make the wrong move.

The dog on the far right, by contrast, had a calmer demeanor, though no less intimidating. Its smooth gray coat was unscarred, and its ears perked up as it sat with a composed stillness. Though watchful, it didn't seem eager to spring into action, exuding an air of steady confidence and control. Its gaze was calm but sharp, as if assessing the room.

Between them was the middle dog, whose stance and expression seemed to balance both extremes. With a mix of calm alertness and underlying aggression, it was covered in patches of black and white fur. Its eyes shifted between the students, observant yet ready, a blend of restrained power and latent threat.

Kure stood proudly.

Kendo Rama smirked. "HOLOGRAM: Level 8.

On cue, a humanoid figure emerged from the back of the large stage, causing the crowd to gasp at the advanced technology as it rushed toward Kure. Arrogantly, Kure closed his eyes and smiled, the corners of his lips twisting menacingly as the figure drew closer.