Chapter 296

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*- Kassandra*

This is the 296th episode of *unORDINARY*.

## Synopsis

Kassandra tells Arlo that he's got three tests to pass in order to move up to the big leagues. First, she would see how well he could withstand her attacks. The test sounds like a cakewalk to Defense King. For her first attack, Kassandra launches a spear made of Particles at her protege, which he easily swats away. There were to be four more attacks, each more powerful than the last. But the bored Arlo insists she take her best shot so they can get this over with already. Kassandra praises this go-getter attitude, and forms a gigantic hand in order to oblige him. Arlo quickly realizes it's time to put his best foot forward. He activates his Barrier before he's crushed like an insect. His surroundings take a beating and he's a little drained. But his shields suffer no damage. Kassandra congratulates him for passing the test by taking the blow head on. It's onto Challenge #2.

Arlo is presented a training dummy. He's tasked with carrying it through an obstacle course without letting it get damaged. Arlo doesn't understand the point of having someone like him take this test, so Kassandra explains the importance of strengthening one's weak points. Though Arlo doesn't specialize in mobility, there may come a time when he'll be the only one available to carry a downed partner out of harm's way. Acquiescing her point, Arlo picks up the 250 lbs representing his boss and starts walking the gauntlet. Everything goes smoothly at first. But a surprise particle spear almost causes Arlo to fail the challenge. He manages to throw up a shield at the last second, before asking Kassandra what the big idea is. She tells him he can't expect dangerous criminals to let him walk away in the real world, and warns him not to slow down. Arlo encases himself in a bubble and goes on to complete the course, grumbling at his pushy superior.

For the final challenge, Kassandra has used her ability to bring several training dummies to life. She uses them to surround Arlo, who has to capture them all. Concentrating as hard as he can, Arlo encases the three groups of targets in separate Barriers. Kassandra acknowledges that Arlo is capable as he claimed to be, adding that she's impressed at his use of multiple Barriers. Arlo explains that his technique is still a work in progress, as the more barriers there are, the weaker they become. Regardless of his need for further training, Kassandra tells Arlo he's passed. She tells him that they're going out to eat on the company dollar to celebrate. Arlo worries that they still have work to do, but she insists that it's quittin' time.

Uru's Burritos turned out to be a real treat for Arlo. Kassandra taking advantage of his good mood, Kassandra asks how his new job affects his life at school. Arlo anwers he's doing fine, and gets asked if his friends remain on his mind. He replies that he's come to prefer spending his time at the Bureau than hanging out. Kassandra then startles him by wondering why his idea of work seemed to be researching his schoolmates on the database. She assures him he won't get in trouble for being curious, so long as he keeps in mind that the data he's poring over is top secret. She expects him not to jeopardize the work of dozens of their people with a careless leak.

Arlo takes a turn in asking questions, particularly about the pursuit of Headmaster Vaughn. Kassandra says that she may as well explain, since he's attending the school. She's the one in charge of that case, and she's come to the conclusion that Vaughn is not who everyone believes him to be. Arlo can't imagine where she got that impression of him. Kassandra reveals that Wellston Private High School is her alma mater, and she was one of the best students. In those days, the one in charge was a no-nonsense headmistress who kept the school in order. Thanks to her, the faculty was diligent in maintaining the institution instead of leaving it to the students, who should be focused on studying. But the era of Wellston's greatness ended not long after Kassandra graduated. The headmistress retired, and Vaughn stepped into the picture. Order proceeded to crumble, but it was so subtle that nobody noticed. Kassandra admits that she didn't pick up on it until one of her juniors in attendance died tragically. Arlo wonders if he knew this late student. Kassandra suspects that Vaughn had a hand in the incident, and that other students would be endangered if he wasn't taken care of.

That night, Arlo freshens up and sits down on his couch. He considers everything he's learned throughout the day. He's not looking forward to doing his homework with so much on his plate already. But he doesn't get the chance to start before his phone starts ringing. He sees his aunt on the Caller ID.

## Appearing Characters

* Arlo
* Kassandra
* The Former Headmistress
* Vaughn (flashback)
* Valerie (pictured)

## Appearing Abilities

* *Particles*
* Barrier