CHAPTER 62: DEPARTMENTAL REGISTRATION (1)

It wasn’t only the second year’s elite students that were alerted. The news had also reached the third year’s departmental building.

The elite who received the news was the third year’s Number 3.

Rollins stood on the hallway as a third year student ranked Number 2085 came rushing with the information.

Standing by his side were two third year students as well.

Both had the same ranking numbers. Number 14.

A warm smile appeared on one of the Number 14’s lips, he stood by the left hand side of Rollins.

He was short, standing at 5’6, with his hands tucked in his pocket, "What should we do about this? Rollins" He asked.

By now, third year student Number 2085 who reported this news was already dismissed by Rollins.

The only ones seen in the hallway were Number 3 Rollins and the two Number 14 students.

While the one who stood by his left was short, the other was taller than him. The Number 14 who stood by his right hand side stood at seven feet tall.

A giant but that didn’t make him any weaker than the short Number 14.

There’s a reason why they had the same ranking numbers.

They were both equalled in strength.

Rollins breathed in deeply "There’s no need for us to act, the second years will do the acting" Rollins answered.

The short Number 14 slightly tilted his head, he stole a glance at Rollins "What do you meant by that?" He asked.

A lopsided grin appeared on Rollins’ lips, "Do you think if the news got to us, that the second years are still unaware of this huh?"

"It hasn’t really gone viral and the second year students may have a reason, perhaps they want to show off" Rollins explained.

"They want to bully the current first year’s Number 0?" The tall Number 14 asked.

Rollins nodded "That’s correct" Right now, they were both seen walking through the hallway, Rollins continued "Currently, there’s been a power balance in the royal academy"

"After the graduation of the former third year students. There was imbalance between the third years and second years"

"In the absence of first years. Everyone wanted to grab more power and more fight broke out"

Rollins sighed "Now that the first year have been enrolled, there’s now a power balance between the three years"

"But many second year students are power hungry, if they’re able to subdue and bully the first year’s Number 0"

"One claimed to be the strongest in that year. Then the power balance will be broken and they’ll hold more power" Saying that, Rollins chuckled.

He understood the current situation quite well. The tall Number 14 decided to ask "Do you think it would happen?"

"What would happen?" Rollins asked. The short Number 14 softly exhaled "What this tall brains is asking is would they succeed?"

"Have you encountered the current first year’s Number 0 and if you have, can you gauge his strength"

"I’m sure you studied the strength of the second year’s ranking numbers especially from 10 down to 0"

"If any of them clashed against the first year’s Number 0, would the Number 0 fall?" The short Number 14 asked.

Rollins shook his head with a smile "Well I’ll answer truthfully, I’ve met this current first year’s Number 0"

"To be honest we’re even quite close enough to be called friends but I won’t be bias"

"And yes I’ve gauged his strength already. The current first year’s Number 0 is quite strong"

"Anything above Number 3 is useless against him" Rollins asked, the short Number 14 smirked "Are you saying this because you’re currently Number 3?" He asked.

Rollins sighed softly "For you to actually stay at the top, you have to be equally strong"

"I’m currently Number 3 but have you forgotten I wasn’t always in this number?" He asked.

The hallway became dead silent, only their footsteps echoed. The tall Number 14 decided to speak "We’re aware of your strength, A Von Neuman by blood"

"And the former first year and second year’s Number 0, I still don’t know why you gave up that position"

"If you wanted Rollins.....you could have remained as Number 0 even as a third year student"

"Why did you gave up that much power?" The tall Number 14 questioned. Rollins shrugged "That’s a question that is personal, I cannot give an answer"

"What I’m trying to say is if the second year sends anything above Number 3, they’ll fail miserably"

"For I believe that the first year’s current Number 0 is stronger than what even i could imagine"

****

Before he could resume his school activities, Caden was directed to the registration office to complete his departmental registration.

The hall was a bustling hub of activity, filled with rows of desks where staff members sat huddled in hushed conversations.

The air was thick with the mumur of voices, the scratch of pens on paper, and the occasional ring of bells.

As Caden walked into the hall, the conversation faded to a soft hum, and eyes lifted to regard the newcomer.

They could tell this is a first year student but they had no idea who he was, they were aware of why a student would come here.

It was to complete their departmental registration and select a departmental class.

The staff members studied Caden with their eyes, observing him to determine the manner of which they would converse with him.

Their eyes were glued to his wristband, the Number 0 was displayed on the wrist.

Seeing this, the staff members eyes widened in shock "Number 0, He’s Number 0" One of the staff members named Mary nearly screamed.

Within three days, they’ve encountered many high ranking numbered students.

They’ve even met the two who received the Number 1.

But they never met Number 0.

Seeing Caden approached them, they composed themselves. Seconds later, Caden’s movements came to a halt.

He stood before the desk of Mary, "I was directed here to complete my department registration"

His calm voice echoed through the hall, Mary took a deep breath "I can see you’re the current first year’s Number 0"

"But before we proceed with the departmental registration. Please introduce yourself" She spoke, "Tell us your name"

Caden’s lips curled into a faint smile "The name is Caden, Caden Ryder" He answered.