Wild Boys 1.0

Four - First Trial

Iris skipped her morning practice the next day, knowing that as long as she has no ranking in Visco's world, things would still be uncomfortable between her and the members. She'd rather not get in the way, though she doubted that their coach wouldn't be as forgiving if she continued skipping for consecutive days. Even with her predicament, maintaining her scholarship was also a priority. That's the only thing binding her to the academy. If this kept up, she'll be dropped out.

So that's why after Pierre's explanation on how things work in Visco's world, she decided to challenge Hippo today.

Her mind flashed back to yesterday where Pierre patiently talked her through it while Ares simply sat with them, dazed and a little bit traumatized. Axel had stood a little way off them, polishing his knives with a small cloth.

Going underground isn't as simple as it sounds. Remember, its audiences are anonymous for a reason--that's how important they are. You wouldn't be going underground, not until you reach the 5th ranking. Visco only wants the best shows for his audience, after all.

Hippo had the 20th. She did the math. If she wanted to get into the official underground tournament, she needed to reach the 5th place  before February, which was only three months away. Pierre did say that she was in a bit of a pinch. She'd need to rush in order to enter. She would need to beat all fifteen participants in three months. If only Pierre had hired her sooner--then she'd have five. But no, no need for complaints! She'll be able to do this!

With a clear eye for her goal today, Iris was able to ignore her newfound popularity. Instead of tuning out everyone, she kept her ears and eyes open for any sign or word about Hippo. She was a bit annoyed that Pierre decided to withheld all information regarding the participants except for their codenames. It was one his games again; he wanted her to find them on her own.

Now that would be boring, wouldn't it, my dear Iris?

That blondie.

For the first time, she wished she was like Pierre--someone who knew everyone in the school. Why didn't she at least come up with the effort to know who was who in her classes? She was hopeless. As she looked at each faces of her classmates, she found that it was the first time she had ever seriously took note of how they look. Before, all they had was blurred faces in Iris' mind. Now, it's like a fog had cleared up and she was seeing them in 1080p.

She really was hopeless.

You've had enough time pitying yourself, now get your assignment done, she thought fiercely.

That's right. She shook her head mentally. The codename Hippo meant a lot of things but Iris did her homework last night and came up with the most probable qualities Hippo could have.

First, the most obvious thing. Iris' eyes widened when one caught her eye. Someone triple her size just entered the room. It was a guy with a mop of curly dark hair. She could see the buttons on his dress shirt and pants straining to hold in the fat that was threatening to burst out. His belly was so huge, it almost rivaled a pregnant woman.

The guy hung back in the doorway and was speaking to a fellow classmate. He didn't look threatening, that's for sure, aside from the fact that if he wanted to he could easily do a body slam on Iris and that'd be the end of it.

Steeling herself, she stood up from her seat and walked toward him. It's like a mute button had been pressed; everyone simultaneously became quiet and watched Iris.