GLITCH

Gathering of the Four

SAMARU MALL, Emerald City

Wednesday, November 1, 2500 11:30 AM

"Mmm…let's see here… two dozen of eggs, a large can of powdered adult milk, some condiments, then tissue…perhaps I should purchase some bacon too."

I'm currently in a supermarket buying goods for the dorm. I need to replenish our food supplies; I do this weekly. I'm wearing a plain white shirt and jeans. I have my goggles hanging on my neck and am listening to the music via earphones. Of course you can't expect me to come here barefooted right? I'm wearing a pair of sandals I got yesterday from Miss Syakila; it's a congratulatory gift.

I want to stroll here for fun just like what I usually do whenever I got here. But I have another reason why I came here though, so my plans are ruined. Tch…

After I took my breakfast, I received a call from Miss Ferni; she requested me to come to Samaru Mall to have a "nice chitchat" with the other selected individuals to become members of the Glitch Academy, a prestigious school that is sponsored by the one and only Anti-Glitch Association or AGA in short. I wonder why this shrewd little sister of Miss Syakila wants to meet us in a mall of all places. We could've gone in other more secluded places right?

While wondering about that, I went from the 1st floor| Grocery War to the 3rd floor| Food Paradise (what the heck are those names supposed to be anyway; a result of a creative mind, I guess?) after I left my purchased good in the baggage counter. She is said to be waiting on a pizza food stall. I consumed my time walking slowly and looking at the people below who looks like ants. Considering the height of the ceiling in each floor, it's not that surprising.

When I got to the designated location, Ferni was already there along with the other three individuals who got the prestige of becoming a Glitch Academy student. Ferni noticed me while I'm walking towards them and waved her hand. Curious, the other three looked at my way. I don't know those two. But the other one, with his features, I can easily tell who he is. He's a physically fit, white haired, blue eyed individual that I rescued from that time in Platinum City.

"Hello Mister Sven, nice to see you alive and well", I said as I take a sit next to him.

Our sitting arrangement goes like this: since it's a rectangular table enough to accommodate six individuals, Ferni is sitting on the center; me and Sven on her right, the other two on her left.

"It's nice to see you too, Miss Crystal. Ah, just Sven is fine" while scratching the back portion of his head with his right hand, showing signs of anxiety.

"Well then call me Rylai, Sven."

"Rylai?" Sven asked as he wondered why.

Ferni inserted herself to our talk as I took my glance towards her.

"Well you see Rylai loves to act like as a special agent who wants to have her identity hidden."

"Hey…" I said in a menacing manner.

Ferni laughs and then said, "I'm just kidding okay? Gosh. Well anyway, it's an undeniable fact that she's the so-called 5-star informant."

"What? She's that ultimate individual!? The one who contributed to the Anti-Glitch Association by giving out information about glitches and even goes to dangerous fields to scout? The one that contributed greatly in both military and commercial technology…? That legendary person!?" the one in front of me said in shock.

He's wearing a black leather jacket and jeans. He got a couple of piercings on both of his ears and got this spiky, orange hair that makes me see him as some sort of porcupine. He's a white, brown-eyed individual with a stern look on his face. Overall, he looks like some delinquent.

The other one who's on his side, which still got his mouth wide open, is also a male, wearing a hoodie and some loosed jeans, and has a headphone hanging on his neck; He's curly gray-haired, semi-muscular dude; he just looks like some kind of modern dancer. He stared at me like I'm sort of a rare art masterpiece.

Uh-oh…

It's not just them; the people within the vicinity have their piercing gazes towards me.

Ugh…this is why I don't want to be identified as that 5-star informant.

One of them even approached me and asked for an autograph. Some wanted to take a picture with me. The area is now flooded with curious individuals and started to ask questions here and there. After a moment, some guards came and asked why there's a commotion going on. When they were told that I'm here, they quickly communicated to their head security officer. Thankfully, they managed to repel off those guys.

"To think that you're that famous Rylai…" Sven said in awe.

"I-I-I-I'm sorry about what had happened earlier Miss Rylai", the orange-haired guy apologized while fidgeting.

Are you a woman in love now?

"No worries. You can just address me as Rylai."

"Ah, okay Miss – I mean, Rylai; nice to meet you in person."

"Me too Rylai, I'm glad to meet you in person", the guy next to the orange-haired fellow slightly bowed as he said it.

"Likewise…"

"Now, now… let's have our introductions first. You may know a thing or two about Rylai, but to make it fair", Ferni glanced at me and said, "You shall have yourself introduced Rylai."

I nodded in agreement.

"First off, I'm Ferni Valkyrie, 27 years of age. I'm a kind of a paladin; I'm a one-hand sword and shield wielder. As a vanguard, my proficiency lies on my endurance and strength. In the academy, I'm the co-chairman and handled two academic-related subjects. Now, it's your turn young ones. Please state your name, age, your class, and combat prowess. Oh, please tell your desired department you wish to join. Here", she distributed a portfolio to each of us. It shows the overall academic system and the official departments in the Glitch Academy.

After a brief moment, one of us got on his feet and stood up.

"Okay! I'll introduce myself next!" the orange-haired guy said excitedly.

Is this guy a kid inside? He looks like one; his eyes are sparkling as if he's a child receiving a chocolate.

"I'm Sen McCullin, 19 years old. I'm a dual-hand sword wielder. I'm a vanguard and usually go against the glitches with agile strikes. I think I'm perfect in the Combat Department!"

All of them clapped their hands.

Wow, it feels like I'm in some nursery school. I don't want to ruin the moment though, so I joined what they're doing. I clapped while staring at Sen with my face clearly showing signs of awkwardness.

"I guess it's my turn now", the gray-haired guy started to speak. "I'm Edward McCullin, 22 years old. Sen and I are half-brothers. I'm a mage of some sort; I can release a bombardment of fire magic. I'm a rearguard. I guess I'll go on with my younger bro in Combat Class."

Unlike his younger brother Sen, Edward is more dignified.

The next person who introduced is Sven. He stood up and spoke.

"I'm Sven Fleming, 18 years old. I'm a two-hand sword wielder. I'm a vanguard and can fight head-on. I'm going with the other two in the Combat Department."

All of them stared at me after that.

Yeah, yeah…I know. It's my turn right?

I stood up and let out a sigh.

"I'm Rylai Lux, 17 years old. I'm the so called 5-star informant but I really hated that title, so please I'm begging the four of you not to call me by that awkward title. Anyway, I want to emphasize your status first."

I took a deep breath and continued.

"Sen, you are a Sword Dancer. That dual-wielding of yours coincides your Mantle and with that I'd say you're in the right path; next one, Edward. You're a Warlock so it's possible to have you not just use offensive magic. I think I can teach you a thing or two about it. For you Sven, you're a Rogue Knight. You still got a long way to go, but I think you'll get stronger as time goes on. You can wield a greatsword with ease but we need to match your status to the weapon's authority level. Well, Miss Ferni is a Valkyrie, same with her surname. I don't want to make some add-ons since you're status is way too high", I held a speech as I glanced at them after mentioning their names.

"W-w-wait…you'll be teaching us? What do you mean by that Rylai?" Edward asked in confusion.

Well, I think it's not just him; even Sen's and Sven's faces were tainted with confusion.

I stared at Miss Ferni and she just put a peace sign with her right hand while smiling. Darn it, Miss Ferni; explain it to them beforehand.

"I'll be going to the Glitch Academy as an instructor, not a student."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?"

The three of them exclaimed in shock.

I totally know how you feel fellas. I did have the same reaction when I first heard of it. But to think that I'm the only hired teacher here and the other three are students… Miss Ferni told me during our conversation in the Intelligence Branch Office.

"Anyway…" I faked a cough as to clear this troubling atmosphere. "I'll be teaching several things related to the human's mana system and enhancing one's power; since you guys know me, I think you already read the contents of my server. However, the Intelligence Branch hid some of its contents since they've seen it as vague and can't be understood that easily without prior explanation."

Yes…the Intelligence Branch hid some contents on my server like the mana system, the body structure analogy and various theories. I guess this opportunity is a good timing for me to have those Glints educated about it. If they apply my lessons to their battle style, I'm pretty sure it'll help them greatly.

"So then, we'll be in your care Miss Ferni."

Ferni closed her eyes and smiled. Then she flinched in a short moment. When I asked her why…

"…I forgot to bring my wallet."

"Ah."

The meeting ended with me paying the food and refreshments we ordered.