Becoming Head Boy

Coming to a halt after entering those rustic and wore gates as he had done for years, Connor activated [Social Mapping] to remind himself of the social structure of the school.

"So, still effectively the same? Good, then my plans will work. First off, gotta find the head boy." As if luck was on his side, the head boy and captain of the football team Chad walked past him with all his goons behind him.

"Hey Chad," Connor said trying to get his attention. Hearing his name, Chad turned around and stroked his hand through his shiny, over-gelled hair and give his regular charming smile which anyone with a brain could tell was fake.

"Yes, Connor right? The head prefect? How can I help you my friend."

Chad always put up this act, like he was some kind, generous man who was a natural leader. And it always worked. People were naturally drawn to his tall and handsome self. He was the stark contrast to Connor, who was short, fat and ugly.

It was this difference that made him the head boy and Connor just a prefect.

Connor stood still for a moment has his nerves got to him. For a split second, Connor's old memories of being bullied ridiculed took over before he remembered that he was the one to be feared now. Straitening himself, Connor spoke with confidence to Chad.

"Chad, I think you should step down as Head Boy. I'll be honest, you're way over your head. The Head Boy is meant to be one of the two who stand at the pinnacle of the student body, being a unifying force between the staff and students.

You joined the competition for no other purpose that have power to abuse, to get out of lessons, to have your picture plastered all over social media. You don't care about making this school better from the dump it is.

So, I'd like you to quit," Connor said with a slight gulp.

Chad gave him a look that made Connor think a fight was about to break out. His eyes narrowed, his fists clenched slightly. However, a moment later Chad burst out in laughter followed by the goons with him.

Thanks to [Social Mapping], Connor could tell that all the boys with him had a dim green line towards him, showing their subservient but friendly nature to him. However, none of them were loyal to him out of friendship. Some were out of fear, some jealousy who hope to use their fake loyalty as a stepping stone to move up the hierarchy. But two.

Two, Connor could see was less subservient to the others. After upgrading [Social Mapping] to the max using OmniCoins, it gained the ability to increase the range. It also includes an upgrade called 'Multi-Layer Mapping' which allows Connor to see historical or hidden connections between targets. It also allows him to glimpse into the memories of a target and witness first hand why certain bonds are what they are.

He can now also predict how certain actions will affect the bonds between people, allowing him immense access to manipulation. He can flip negative relationships into positive ones for up to 10 individuals and also decide the nature of the flipped relation. The final upgrade allows him to used the ability on a global scale.

Using these new upgrades, he could see that two of his goons were regularly sleeping with Chad's girlfriend Emilia, who just so happened to be the head girl.

"Can you guys believe this? Connor here telling me to step down from a position I earned. You know Rojo, if you were always this funny, you should've said. I'd have liked you so much more," Chad said as the entrance became less populated and he didn't have to worry about his reputation being sullied by speaking to someone like this.

His 'friends' started to laugh with him as they slowly circled Connor and cut off all exits.

"Rojo," Chad said with his smile now twisted into a grin as he thrust his fist into Connor's stomach. In days past, this would've made Connor kneel over and feel himself begin to vomit as Chad threw more relentless attacks.

Now, however, Connor didn't move an inch. Instead of pain, Connor felt nothing, not even a light tap. With his defensive skills, even nuclear bombs wouldn't scratch Connor, so what could this teenage boy hope to do?

'Seriously, is his ego this fragile? Oh well, I tried asking nicely, can't say I didn't.' Connor thought.

As Chad looked at Connor, his grin quickly faded away as his target didn't even flinch. "What the hell..." Chad said as he tried once again to punch Connor, except Connor's immense reflexes caught the punch before the fist got anywhere near him.

Connor applied a little pressure while exercising immense control over his strength as he didn't want to crush Chad's hand completely. This action made his friends back off a little and grow scared of Connor. Chad was strongest of them, and Connor was a fat kid with no muscle. And yet, Connor had Chad at his mercy.

Connor grabbed Chad's worn blazer and picked him up into the air and used his skill [Emperor's Command] to force Chad to obey him.

"Chad, you are unworthy of the title of Head Boy. You are a pathetic excuse of a leader. You only want the title to get more girls fawning over you. No, before your first day as Head Boy starts, you WILL go the head teacher and tell her that you are stepping down. You will tell her what I've told you about your desires, and you will tell her that her school is pathetic. Now go," Connor ordered before letting Chad down.

Chad looked as though the free will in his eyes was gone, and he simply strolled away to complete his mission.

'Great. That's one obstacle gone. While I do want to get revenge on everyone, I genuinely do want to make this school better. Well, my version of better,' Connor thought as he watched Chad walk away. Connor placed his hands into his pockets and looked at Chad's friends whose faces were now filled with fear.

"You," He said to James, one of the ones sleeping with Emilia. "Tell your fuck buddy I'm coming for her too. The senior team is mine," Connor said as he walked away from them and paid them no further attention.

Throughout the day, Connor continued to plan his next moves. In his classes, his infinite intelligence allowed him to ace everything, even things he struggled with last year. Now he knew everything the moment he looked at a question or equation. This led to empty praise from teachers and comments on him spending summer studying.

During lunch, the options were the same bland sludge that was always served. He just ordered some water and the least squished muffin available and sat on his own as he always did.

During his last lesson, his teacher announced that there'd be no last lesson but instead, there's be an assembly for the whole school. On the way to the assembly hall, Connor could hear all the speculating on the nature of the assembly but Connor already knew. It was to announce Chad was stepping down and declaring the new Head Boy.

"Hey," Connor heard someone speaking behind him. "Do you think it's got something to do with Chad? He hasn't been acting normal all day."

"Yeah," Another voice replied. "At lunch, he didn't talk. He didn't even move after sitting down until the bell went. I hope he's okay, he's such a nice guy. And handsome too."

After getting into the assembly and taking his seat, Connor noticed the Head Girl Emilia was throwing him nasty looks.

'I guess they told her. I suppose it only makes sense given the position she holds. If she remembers what Chad quitting means, than it's no wonder she's looking at me like that. Doesn't matter, soon she'll be mine and control of the student body will be absolute,' Connor thought as he sat back in his chair, fingers interlaced behind his head.

After a few minutes, the whole school was in the assembly hall with the Year 7's at the front and the Year 11's at the back in elevated seats. Teachers were dotted around the room with some even sitting in-between students, some to talk and some to make sure students don't talk. The senior team sat at the front facing the students, just behind a podium where the head teacher, Mrs Trunch, was standing. The boys on her right and the girls her left.

As the head teacher took a deep breathe in front of the now quieted down students, she began to address them.

"Welcome, I know you'd all rather be in class right now but what we're here for can't wait. We're here primarily for a situation regarding the senior team, but before that, brighter subjects.

Today, it is my highest honour to welcome our new Year 7's to our humble (run down) school. I know you're nervous on your first day, but I promise, you'll quickly get accustomed to life at St Helena. And of course, while I have many duties, if you need me, you can ask your parents to arrange a meeting and I'll be happy to hear any concerns you have.

Now, onto the reason we're here. This morning, Chad, the Head Boy came to me to say he is stepping down from the position of Head Boy."

As Mrs Trunch said this, everyone who wasn't a Year 7 or Connor gasped in shock.

"Quiet down please," Mrs Trunch said. "I know this must be shock to a lot of you, especially given the passion he displayed in March over becoming Head Boy, however, it seems the nerves got to him this morning. I ask that you don't judge him for this, the position of Head Boy is a prestigious one that comes with a lot responsibilities. It's best he decides this now rather than later.

So Chad, I will now ask you to hand over your Head Boy tie and badge and join your year group in the stands."

Chad, still mindless from Connor's power, stood up, handed over the tie and badge and walked into the stands taking his seat.

Mrs Trunch continued, "Now. Since the Year 7's and some other may not know what happens next, allow me to tell you a bit about the senior team.

The senior team is the head of the student council. They are 6 individuals selected from a student vote followed by multiple rounds of elimination as they present different power points to staff. 3 boys and 3 girls is then chosen to become the team.

In the final round, the school governors see a presentation from all 6 and pick one boy and one girl to serve as Head Boy and Girl, making them the very top of the student council.

In years past, the senior team was merely a tradition that would take pictures with guests, speak for students and that's really it. However, a few years ago, my predecessor gave them more power.

They can challenge staff if they see something they don't think is right. They can propose changes to the school. They can even hand out detentions when they see rule breaking and there's no teacher around.

Now, as to what will happen now Chad as stepped down. You may think one of the deputy Head Boy's would ascend to the position. While that would usually be the case, given the powers that the Head Boy and Girl hold, even among their deputies, the candidate must be approved by the governors.

The governors stand by their decision to make them deputies. Now, the student council isn't in the line of succession to the position as they compose other roles in the student body.

The only other people who can be considered for the position is the final branch of the student body. The prefects. These are students who ran for the senior team but didn't make the cut and we trusted enough to act as enforcers of school rules.

Within the prefects, there is a hierarchy for both boys and girls that is determined by the governors at the end of Year 10 when the positions are filled. Meaning that the highest ranked male prefect will become the new Head Boy."

When Mrs Trunch announced this, all of Connor's peers glanced at him and a large grin grew on his face.

"So, as the male Head Prefect. Mr Rojo, would you please join me up here." After bring asked, Connor stood up energetically and glided forward, with the air of a winner trailing behind him. He took one look at the friends of Chad from this morning and let out a triumphant smile.

As he reached Mrs Trunch, he knew everyone was looking at him. He didn't know if it was the look of hate from Emilia, the awe of Year 7's given his luck or the resignation of his former bullies, but this felt amazing.

"Mr Rojo," Mrs Trunch said as he held out the tie and badge.

The tie was golden with the school's dancing lion logo on it wearing a crown. The badge was similar but had 'Head Boy' engraved in it.

"Do you accept the responsibilities of the Head Boy? To be a fair voice for any student who comes to you for help. To set an example, not just for the younger years, but your own peers in Year 11. To work to the best of your ability to improve the school. Can you stand before the other members of the senior team, the student council watching and prefects with them.

Can you stand before all three branches of the student body and swear to fulfil this promise?"

Connor looked at the students, to the senior team and back to Mrs Trunch all the while sporting a massive grin.

"I swear," Connor replied before taking off his tie and neatly placing it inside one of his blazer pockets. Mrs Trunch then placed the Head Boy tie around his neck and tied it for him. Then, she picked up the badge she'd placed on the podium and pined it onto Connor's blazer.

"And with that, the power and responsibilities of Head Boy are now yours. Would you like to say some words?" She asked to which Connor happily replied yes and stood behind the podium.

Standing behind the podium, every student and teacher in the school before him, Connor fastened his tie and began speaking in a clear, confident tone. If he wanted, he could dominate the mind of everyone in the room and make them his slaves, but when he thought about doing that, only one thought crossed his mind.

'Where's the fun in that?'

"Hello. I have been preparing this speech since my first day in High School, since I sat where our new Year 7's are sitting and watched as the senior team spoke to us. I'm sure that will come in a few days where the six of us will address you directly and address any concerns you have.

So, suffice to say after 4 years I've had plenty of time to prepare my speech. So here goes.

Staff and students of St Helena Academy. I stand before you today as Head Boy, a title which I take seriously. Given the power and influence this title brings with it, and my nature as someone who excels academically, I'm sure it's safe to say some changes are coming.

After my initial awe of the senior team ended, I quickly realised what they really were. The problem. This school is in shambles, the building is barely safe, the food terrible, favouritism thrives. And why? Because the senior team, the ones meant to represent you, were a bunch of populars.

The cheerleaders, the football players. The ones who thrived in a terrible school as it meant their bullying, their trophies were appreciated. It meant no one would challenge them because no one expects anything from us anyway.

That changes today.

From now on, the popular kids don't rule. The senior team is meant to work together, but I cannot do that. Because all but one, one deputy head girl, is a popular. As Head Boy, I should work with the Head Girl Emilia to make the school a better place, but she won't. She's the head Cheerleader for Gods sake. So, I'll have to do it myself.

As Head Boy, I have complete control over changing my deputies. Derrick, a foot ball player with more abandoned children than I've had warm meals. Luther, who has taken more money of people and given so many in this room black eyes. You're both a fucking disgrace.

As Head Boy, I'm dismissing you both from the position of Deputy Head Boy's. To my Year 11, male peers. I will be taking applications tomorrow for the new deputies. I will only consider smart, dedicated, hardworking people. No sports morons thinking they can get away with stuff.

Furthermore, not many know this. But the three primary dances the school has every year, the winter formal, the easter disco and the summer gala. Due to the schools rules, as approved by the goveners for decades, they have to be signed off by the Head Boy and Girl.

The populars love their parties, a great chance to get drunk, do drugs and have sex. Not happening. If I don't see improvements in grades, attitudes and a decrease in bullying, I won't sign off on it. And then, no dances. Best part, not even the goveners can overturn it.

Also, I know my peers in Year 11 and the lower Year 10's are planning a party this Sunday. It's a party Year 10 and 11 has every year. In it, the only thing certain is there'll be at least one sexual assault charge or teen pregnancy. So, anyone who attends. Detention for a week.

I will improve this school, I will turn it from a dump into a world class education centre. And I'm happy to go beyond even the governers if I must. Now, I'm willing to give everyone a clean slate. To trust, despite me knowing better, that you can be better.

All I can say is this, don't cross me. Because I'm the smartest person here, and I have a vengence with most people in this room. Improve. Or answer to me."

After making his speech, Connor walked over to the Deputy Head Boy's and removed their ties and badges from them before telling them to join the other Year 11's.

"Fucking pathetic," Connor said as he watched them walk away and sat in the chair Chad was sitting in before.

Everyone, including the teachers. Especially the teachers were flabbergasted at Connor's declaration. Somehow, they all knew how serious he was. And they knew the peaceful bliss of no expectations was now over. A few of them would try to fight back over the next few months, but before Christmas.

Connor would be absolute.

Mrs Trunch stepped back to the podium, still shocked at Connor.

"Okay then, dismissed. Everyone back to class. In an orderly fashion," She said slowly as she was still processing what just happened.

"What the hell was that?"

"He can't stop the dances."

"He's crazy if he thinks he can change this shit school."

All these conversations began arising as the assembly hall was emptied. As usual, the senior team stayed until the other students were gone. When it was finally empty, the Deputy Head Girl's left and when Emilia tried to leave, Connor grabbed her by the arm.

"What are you doing? Get off me creep," Emilia yelled in her fake, innocent, pick me voice.

"Meet me in the senior team office," Connor ordered using [Emperor's Command]. Emilia's face quickly went hollow as she began to walk to the office.