24: When You’re Not Known For Lasting Long

24: When You’re Not Known For Lasting Long

Walking out of the Class Zero building with everyone else, Nyssa ambled along the pathways while trying not to get dragged along too much by the crowd. Everyone, the rest of Class Zero included, moved as if there was a lion chasing them. Well, it wasn’t ‘running away from a lion’ fast, but it was still a lot faster than Nyssa’s normal walking speed.

Sticking along with Celeste, she just kept quiet as she listened to the various conversations bursting out all around her.

“Did you see the small jokes? Like about the keynote? I don’t know... it just makes him feel a little more chill to me. Most of the time I feel like those keynotes just... drag on so... so much.”

“Yeah, for sure. Have you seen his clips? No way someone that crazy with it is gonna be so uptight. I’m still not over the fact he’s like... actually letting us duel him! Most people are too worried about losing face in case they lose, or even struggle in a battle.”

“I know... kinda crazy. I hope I can last more than a couple seconds with him.”

“You better. Though, I know you’re not exactly known for lasting long.”

“Oh shut up with the innuendos.”

“Fine, fine. On another note though, then, I didn’t realize he was chill like that. He’s just like the interviews! I feel like he could be my older brother or something.”

It took another fifteen minutes for everyone to get seated and ready.

Emerging from a long war against herself—barely victorious at that—Nyssa perked up as Slade began clearing his throat and waving towards the crowd to get their attention. Sitting upright, she thanked Celeste once more for her hard work and patted her cheeks a few times to wake herself up.

“Gooood morning everyone,” Slade laughed while calming the crowd down with a few hand motions. “No need to reply, since that’s my biggest pet peeve when it comes to these types of speeches. It is Friday though, so I will say, it is quite a nice morning.”

As his words left his mouth, a few cheers began and, within seconds, spread through the crowd drowning out his voice.

“Alright, alright, calm down,” Slade chuckled while making a quick glance down to his watch. “I’ll try and keep this quick okay? The goal is to have a nice, relaxed, and, hopefully, fun Friday for all of you. My team and I plan on staying quite a while today, to make sure anyone who wants to fight can get a turn in.”

Anticipating the cheers this time around, he only smiled while letting everyone let out their energy. “I’m glad you all are so enthusiastic! It’s great to have such a welcome crowd, thank you, thank you. My team and I are, for sure, just as excited as you all.”

Taking the microphone off its stand, he walked away from the podium. “Now, let’s get this show on the road. Who am I? I’m sure you all know this already, but I’ll give a quick rundown on who I am before opening the floor for a couple questions. Quick and simple. As all speeches should be.”

Pulling at his tie a little, Slade shook his head. “Sorry, random side note, but I’m really not a fan of these types of formal clothing. Anyway, to start, I’m sure most people are quite familiar with my life story, but we can run through it once more. I’m... adopted. Big surprise, I know. Kaiser and I look like doppelgangers after all. I’m just as much of a hulking mass of muscle as he is.”

Letting the crowd let out its few chuckles, he walked across the stage with slow, but powerful steps. “It may be a little out of the norm, but me, and my two siblings, are all adopted and though we grew up in a single parent home, we all felt loved. It’s been... a nice environment all things considered.” Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)