Chapter 2: The New Recruit

The next morning, Avery woke up with a pounding headache. As she groggily sat up, fragments of memories flooded her mind, each one more cringe-worthy than the last. Blushing furiously, she comically buried her face in her hands, futilely attempting to erase the embarrassing recollections. With a frustrated sigh, she leaned back against the wall, vigorously tapping her head against it in a comically futile attempt to forget the memories of last night.

As Avery glanced back, she caught Pip's eye, and they shared an awkward moment of silence, unsure of what to say or do next.

Pip (Grinning mischievously): Uh-oh, looks like someone's embarrassed!

Avery (Blushing furiously): Pip, don't you dare say a word to Max!

Pip (Teasingly): Oh, You mean about your wall-banging session right now, I gotta tell Max! It's too funny to keep to myself!

Avery (Pleadingly): Please, Pip, I'll do anything! Just don't spill the beans!

Pip (Laughing as he runs circles around the room): Sorry, Avery, but this is too good to pass up! 

Avery (Groaning in embarrassment): Why me...

As they made their way to the breakfast table, Avery and Pip were greeted by a neatly arranged meal, accompanied by a note from Max explaining his sudden departure due to an urgent matter. Avery couldn't help but grin triumphantly at Pip, feeling a sense of victory in Max's absence.

Avery (smirking triumphantly): Looks like I won this round, Pip!

Pip (pouting): Yeah, yeah, you got lucky this time.

Avery (playfully): Luck had nothing to do with it! It's all about strategy, my friend.

Pip (grumbling): Fine, fine. You win. But just wait until Max gets back!

Avery (grinning): Oh, I'll be ready for him. And you better believe I'll have some tricks up my sleeve for payback!

On the contrary, Max sought out Lily, the granddaughter of the empress, to ask for a favor. Max knocks her door and enters.

Max (enters Lily's room): Hey there, Lily. Mind if I borrow a moment of your time?

Lily (looking up from her book, a bit surprised) Oh, Max. What brings you here?

Max (jokingly): Looks like Emily and Sophia are both MIA.

Lily: Yeah, they're stuck in remedial classes. So, it's just you and me. (She moves closer to Max) Do you perhaps want to keep me company? (Her tone is playful and seductive)

Max (creates some distance between then and jokes): Well that's an interesting offer but maybe some other time

Lily (pouts and then sighs): Well then, what brings you here Max?

Max (smirking): I need a favor

Lily (eager but jokes): Huh, but why should I?

Max: Oh c'mon Lily, for old times' sake.

Lily (sighs): Fine. What do you need?

Max (grinning): It's simple, really. I just need a little help with... a project.

Max then whispers something in Lily's ear

Lily ( her eyes widen in surprise) Max, that's... It's.. I can't do that.

Max (nods earnestly): It's important, Lily. Trust me.

Lily (takes a moment to consider, then nods): Okay, Max. I'll see what I can do. But this... this is risky.

Max (grateful): I know, Lily. Thanks a lot; I promise I'll make it up to you.

Lily (smirking): Don't mention it. Just try not to get yourself into too much trouble, okay?

Max (grinning mischievously): No promises.

Max then finds Kamui sitting alone in the library, his usual stoic demeanor intact. With a determined stride, Max approaches him, taking a seat beside him.

Max (approaching Kamui in the library): Hey, mind if I join you?

Kamui (glancing up, slightly surprised) I suppose.

Max (sitting down opposite Kamui): Listen, Kamui, I wanted to talk to you about something important.

Kamui (raising an eyebrow) And what might that be?

Max (leaning forward): I've been thinking a lot about the state of the school lately. About how things could be better, you know?

Kamui (nonchalantly): And?

Max (excitedly): And I've got some ideas. Big ideas. But I can't do it alone. I need someone like you, someone strong, someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Kamui (skeptical): And why would I be interested in your plans?

Max (leaning back, a smirk playing on his lips): Because I think you'd make a great partner. A great... sword, if you will.

Kamui (coldly) I'm not interested.

Max (persistently): Come on, Kamui. You've got skills, you've got power, I've got influence. Together, we could do amazing things.

Kamui (standing up): I have no interest in your little schemes, Max. Leave me out of it.

Max (watching Kamui leave, unfazed): Suit yourself.

Max (to himself, still smiling): Looks like it's time for plan B.

As Kamui walks away, Pip dashes inside, bubbling with excitement, while Avery hurries after him. Pip eagerly begins to spill the beans to Max about Avery's embarrassing moment, but Max quickly intervenes, signaling for Pip to leave with a playful smile. He then requests some alone time with Avery, and Pip, sensing the gravity of the situation, complies without protest.

Avery (trying to act casual): So, what did Pip want to talk to you about?

Max (raising an eyebrow): He seemed pretty worked up about something. Said it was about morning. Care to fill me in?

Avery (nervously): Oh, it's nothing, just Pip being Pip, you know?

Max (curious but brushes off the feeling): Hmm, never mind that. There's something important I need to discuss with you.

Avery: blushes a bit, curious): Oh? What is it?

Max: Avery, I know this might sound crazy, but I need you to fight Kamui.

Avery (disappointed but then hesitant): Fight Kamui? But... why me? I mean, I'm not exactly the best fighter...

Max (placing a hand on her shoulder, making her blush): Because you're smart, quick, and you've got a good amount of mana. Besides, I am confident you'll win.

Avery (still unsure): I don't know, Max. What if something goes wrong?

Max (smiling reassuringly): I've thought this through, Avery. Trust me. You'll be fine. And if things start to get out of hand, I'll step in. But I believe in you.

Avery (taking a deep breath): Okay, Max. I'll do it. For you.

Max (grinning): That's the spirit! Now let's go show Kamui what you're made of.

As Avery departs, Asmodeus emerges from Max, questioning why Max doesn't confront Kamui himself. Max's lips curl into a malevolent smile as he responds to Asmodeus's inquiry.

Max (smirking): Ah, Asmodeus, always eager for a good fight, aren't you? But there's a method to my madness. Kamui needs to be challenged by someone unexpected, someone he wouldn't see coming.

Asmodeus (raising an eyebrow): And you think Avery is the one for the job?

Max nods confidently while smiling

Asmodeus (chuckling): Well, I'll trust your judgment on this, Master. But don't keep me waiting too long for that fight.

Max (grinning): Oh, don't worry, Asmodeus. Our time will come. But for now, let's see how this plays out.