Conflict

After the speech, Vice President Eren dismissed the crowd of first years, finally allowing them to move to their respective classes.

[Class-D]

Liam and Hazel stood at a corner of the class, discussing something privately.

"I'm sorry for calling you out like this Hazel, but I need your opinion concerning a matter." Liam said politely yet firmly.

Hazel's frigid face softened slightly as she nodded.

"Okay, I was thinking about telling our classmates to try and find each other when we enter the VR. After going through the guidelines, I came to a realization that we won't be sent out into separate dimensions and just into one area. Although we would be scattered, I have a feeling that it's very possible to interact with ourselves. Or what do you think?"

Liam explained as he looked at the others chatting idly.

"Hmm. That's a valuable thought. By forming up teams, we have a greater chance at surviving. But I feel like that's not the only thing right?" Now invested, She asked.

"Yes. Some might oppose it—Logan, especially. He'll probably see it as a chance to vent. And it also helps since we would be able to explore the space ourselves and gain quite a bit of understanding. Now I'm stuck between what we should choose?" Liam pondered aloud as creases formed on his head.

"I see, so that's the problem but may I ask you a question?" Hazel nodded lightly.

"Sure." Liam nodded.

"Did you ask for everyone's opinion before deciding? If you don't listen to their thoughts, they would be more than willing to resist you even when you are right. So present your choices and ask them about their opinion. Not to choose." Hazel stated calmly while Liam's eyes widened the more she spoke.

"I-i see. Thanks so much Hazel. I would have really loaded crap onto the class without knowing how. Thanks." He said sincerely as his eyes seemed to hold more respect for the girl.

"Now another pressing issue is the opposition between classes. If we come across a student from another class in the VR, there's a possibility he'd attack us. Although it was stated that no deaths must happen to other students by another, I can fathom the cruelty other classes might show to us." Liam spoke again, this time with a grim voice.

Hazel's brows furrowed in worry as she thought about it.

'This is gonna be troublesome.'

She turned to look at Kaiser or Kuramoto for help but Kuramoto simply ignored her while Kaiser acted like he didn't notice her.

Shaking her head in disbelief, she refocused on the guy before her.

"I think it's just an inevitable thing. The best thing we can say is for them to actively ignore and avoid them."

"Yeah right." He nodded.

"Alright let's do this." 

Whispering a small encouragement to himself, he walked before the class as silence blanketed them.

"Good morning guys. I'm going to be really quick so we can have time to attend to our personal issues. So from what I and Hazel had gone through we thought about asking you all about whether you'd want to group up in the VR or you'd want to go solo."

Immediately, Joshua's hand shot up.

"I think we should team up. I mean we should learn to work together as a cohort of at least five members. What do you think?"

"That's oddly thoughtful of you Josh." Jose said in a surprised expression.

"Huh? Do you mean I'm not smart?" Joshua snapped back.

Hana also spoke at this moment with a subtle smirk. "Although it is weird, Joshua's right. I'm in total support."

"Me too."

"Sure. Great idea."

Many students joined in support of the motion until the class was flooded with a subtle oppression.

"I refuse." Logan growled softly.

"Huh? That's stupid, why are you against it?" Joshua scowled with an irritated expression.

"Because only weaklings like you need to group like pathetic sheep." Logan retorted.

"Hah? That's coming from the loser. I'm flattered." Jose butted in sarcastically.

"Hahaha!" Joshua laughed, feeling smug as Logan's face twisted into an angry face.

'Oh crap.'

Everyone thought, drawing their breath.

Bam!

Jose flew across the room as he unceremoniously crashed into a desk, slightly denting it.

The room froze for a heartbeat. Chairs creaked as students slowly backed away. No one breathed.

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Practically roaring, Logan moved forward to give his friend more beating but was intercepted by Liam.

"Alright. I know that's offensive but it's enough. You don't want to get reported."

"PISS OFF!"

Smacking Liam's arm away, he proceeded to continue his charge until he was stopped by a comment.

"Let him be. He'll only be a liability to us anyway with his violent temper. He's better off expelled." Hazel said coldly.

"Hah? You wanna expell me?" He turned his head and glared at the girl.

"Probably because of how dull you are, you don't know there's a rule that states that any action of violence results in immediate expulsion." As she said the last part, her gaze darkened and a sign of regret flashed in her expression.

Logan's body froze for a moment before he withdrew his arm, his expression darkening. 

"Tch. Damned class." Snorting, he walked out of the class, frustration evident in his movement.

Logan paused at the door. For just a second, his fists trembled—not in rage, but in restraint. He didn't look back.

"Um, I-i think Jose is unconscious." Hana stuttered as she checked up on him.

"I-i'll get him to the infirmary" Joshua said in a trembling voice as he carried Jose on his shoulders.

'Why is there always chaos? Why?! Why?! Why?!'

Liam clenched his teeth in frustration.

This same sense of helplessness was starting to creep up on him and bringing along with it was bad memories.