Battle Of Planets

Chapter 53: Bullies???
Humans developed the ranking system to categorize their Rangers, drawing inspiration from ancient military structures. This system maintains an organized chain of command, particularly during critical moments in the battle room, where leadership and decision-making are vital. By establishing clear ranks, humans can avoid internal conflicts over authority and ensure that orders are followed efficiently.In theory, higher-ranked Rangers have the final say, while those of lower rank are expected to follow orders and show respect, much like in a traditional army. However, even among Generals, power struggles can emerge in practice, as leadership is often contested despite differences in power points.

There are anomalies within the system—individuals who possess more than enough power points to be promoted yet remain in academies. Alex and Tyson are prime examples of this situation, along with Rogues who refuse to adhere to the structured ranking system.

Such anomalies are often ranked first and referred to as Trainees until they officially join the Association. Consequently, most trainees work hard to accumulate as many power points as possible to advance through the ranks quickly. However, the reality is harsh—many fail to make significant progress before completing their studies.

”So, you’re not coming to school anymore?” Emily asked,

Tyson shook his head with a slight smile as he stood with her and Nancy in front of the headquarters. Unlike Emily, who had much to say about his sudden departure, Nancy remained surprisingly quiet.

”Why not graduate first, then return here?” Emily insisted, looking at the headquarters where new rangers were entering uncertainly.

Beyond them, robotic sentries patrolled the area, while a holographic fountain flickered with brief images of President Edmund’s face.

”Isn’t that how things usually work?”

Tyson playfully ruffled her hair. ”Yeah, but things aren’t normal anymore.”

Emily sighed and nodded. ”Then we should at least get together from time to time.”

”Of course! I wouldn’t want to miss your love story with Blue,” Tyson smirked.

Emily’s face flushed as she punched his arm. ”Shut up! It’s not like that!”

Tyson chuckled and then turned to Nancy, who still appeared to be lost in thought.

”I should get going,” Tyson said.

Nancy smiled before leaning in to kiss his lips softly and fleetingly. Then, with encouragement, she said, ”Do your best, and don’t forget—I’ll be waiting for you at 9 PM sharp.”

Tyson nodded. ”I can’t wait to see you already.”

Nancy waved goodbye as she and Emily walked away. Meanwhile, Tyson, as usual, dashed into headquarters, weaving through the crowd.

He paused momentarily, his gaze fixed on the holographic fountain where the image of former President Edmund flickered before shifting to his daughter—none other than Seraphina Carver.

”It’s our time,” he whispered.

A voice called from the entrance. ”Shaun?” Tyson paused.

A young man in ranger gear waved him over with a smile. ”Hey, Serge! You finally got promoted to Sergeant, huh?”

”Unfortunately, yes,” Tyson sighed as he walked inside, watching a group of recruits directed toward a large room on the left.

A man in a custom-made armored suit stood by the entrance, flashing a knowing smile. ”That way, champ,” he gestured, adding, ”Oh, and my daughter says hi.”

Tyson laughed. ”Tell her I said hi, too.”

Shaun raised an eyebrow. ”Whose daughter is it? Don’t you already have a girlfriend?”

”Relax,” Tyson smirked. ”She’s seven years old—my biggest fan now.”

After his battle with Coco, people’s views of him changed completely. Once, many dismissed him as merely a lucky orphan taken in by Edward, but now he had admirers. He even stumbled across a newly formed Tyson Fan Club online—one he might have secretly joined.

”By the way, what are you doing here?” Tyson asked, puzzled. Shaun was still a trainee—why was he here?

”The association instructed everyone to attend today’s meeting,” Shaun explained. ”If we don’t show up, it might be perceived as defying orders.”

”So they’re trying to figure out who’s truly committed to being a Ranger and who might be considering joining the Rogues?” Tyson wondered.

”Exactly,” Shaun nodded. ”It’s a method to identify those who refuse to follow orders before they become a problem.”

”That makes sense,” Tyson said in agreement. ”They can identify potential deserters ahead of time.”

”Yeah,” Shaun said, pausing for a moment. ”But... aren’t most of the Rogues already in custody?”

”They are,” Tyson replied as they entered the large hall. The room buzzed with energy—young recruits chatting and laughing in groups, some standing stiffly while others tried to intimidate with their armor.

”I suppose we have to wait here,” Tyson said, positioning himself behind a group of recruits laughing together.

Among them stood a young man with a cocky grin, yanking the hair of another trainee in front of him. ”I told you not to stand in front of me, whiny boy.”

”I’m sorry, President. I had to be here, or else...” the boy stammered, wincing as the grip tightened.

”Or what?” the bully sneered. ”Are you planning to ignore orders from your superior? I have seven power points, and you’re still stuck at five. You should obey my command—at school and everywhere else.”

”Let him go!” a sharp voice rang out as a girl stepped in and yanked the bullied boy away from the group.

She was Lara, one of the promising trainees. Her slender, toned yet delicate frame moved with quiet confidence, and her beauty was captivating. Her mid-sized bosom, barely contained beneath her tight clothing, complemented her lithe form; vibrant pink hair fell to her shoulders, framing a face dominated by large, defiant doe eyes.

”Just because your father is a lieutenant doesn’t mean you can push people around, Ken.”

Ken sneered. ”Lara, it’s not like that. You know I’m the school president—I must discipline our members.”

”I know very well, Ken. Just leave people alone, or else...” Lara’s voice wavered, aware that there was little she could do.

Just like last time, when Ken coerced students into voting for him as the student body president, she had no choice but to suppress her anger and witness his misuse of power. She had no support from anyone.

”Or what?” Ken smirked, stepping closer. ”Don’t forget, Lara—I like you. That’s why I always take it easy on you. Otherwise, you’d be the one getting picked on by the students.”

Lara clenched her fists, suppressing a curse. The laughter from Ken’s lackeys resonated around her, a mocking chorus that pierced her pride.

Tyson’s gaze flickered toward her, and their eyes met briefly. However, she quickly looked away, staring straight ahead and acting like she couldn’t hear the jeers around her.

”Who are they?” Tyson whispered to himself.

”H-He’s K-Ken,” Shaun whispered. ”He’s the biggest bully in our school. He abuses his power and connections to intimidate people, especially newcomers. No one dares to stand up to him.”

”He’s in your school?” Tyson asked, surprised. ”Have you ever been bullied by him?”

Shaun hesitated before shaking his head. ”No. I have connections with Captain Barnes; he’s an old school friend of my father’s, so Ken never dared to mess with me.”

”Oh,” Tyson sighed, nodding. ”By the way, how is Captian Barnes?”

Shaun’s expression grew grim. ”Still in critical condition.”

”He’ll be all right,” Tyson assured him. ”Dad said so.”

”Thanks,” Shaun murmured.

A loud, mocking voice cut through their conversation.

”Oho, Shauny Boy!” Ken’s voice rang out, amusement dripping from his tone. Shaun tensed up immediately.

Ken strode confidently ahead, his lackeys chuckling beside him. ”How are you, my friend? And how’s Captain Barnes? I heard some pretty terrible news from my dad.”

Everyone’s attention shifted to Shaun. Even Lara looked over, seemingly interested in who had captured Ken’s attention.

Shaun swallowed hard and managed a smile. ”H-He’ll bounce back quickly.”

A few trainees outside Ken’s circle nodded in support, hoping his words would prove true since the Captain had fought bravely for them.

One of Ken’s lackeys leaned in and whispered something in his ear. A slow, devious grin spread across Ken’s face.

”Oh, right! We never truly got to know our dear Shaun, did we?” Ken mused.

”Never!” his followers echoed together, chuckling.

”At least leave him alone,” Lara said from behind.

Ken turned his head slightly and shook it, amused by her helplessness. He took a step forward, his smirk widening. ”I’m just looking for a playmate. Right, Shaun?” Ken asked, now standing face-to-face with him. ”We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Shaun hesitated, his eyes flickering to Tyson before complying to nod. ”Y-Yeah, of course.”

”See? I told you, Lara,” Ken grinned, slinging an arm around Shaun’s shoulder and trying to push him around. But Shaun’s larger frame made it hard for Ken to move him as intended.

Ken’s smirk wavered briefly. ”You’re putting up quite a fight, Shaun,” he observed, stepping back as his lackeys advanced. ”I suppose you don’t want to play with me,”

Lara jumped in once more. ”If Captain Barnes discovers this, he’ll punish you!”

One of Ken’s lackeys sneered, ”How? He still hasn’t woken up in the hospital.” His smirk turned cruel. ”And who knows if he’ll ever wake up ag—”

Before he could finish, Shaun’s fist slammed into his face with brutal force. The lackey crumpled to the ground, clutching his face as he emitted a pained groan.

Lara and Ken stared, momentarily stunned. They had never seen this side of Shaun. But Tyson wasn’t surprised—he knew Shaun had already proven himself in battle, unlike these trainees who had cowered in their homes while the city shook. That’s what had kept him calm until now...

Shaun’s eyes burned with rage as he towered over the groaning lackey. ”Don’t you dare, jerk.”

”How dare you?” Ken growled,

Ken’s lackey whimpered on the ground, rubbing his face, while the rest of the group fell silent. However, they could tell that Ken wouldn’t let it go.

Tyson smirked, feeling the tension around him as he stepped forward. He glanced at Ken Lazily, ”Looks like Shaun’s not in the mood today,” he remarked, ”Want another playmate one?”