The familiar redhead

His curiosity and intrigue brought him to approach the redhead. Cardin can't shake the feeling that he saw her before, but he just can't remember when and where. He would have remembered someone of her stature, her bright red ponytail, and her well-built and curvaceous figure.

Maybe her weapons can be a clue? Her shield and spear remind him of Atlas, with its banner composed of the arsenal. The only thing that doesn't make sense is the outfit. Atlas and Mantle are both frigid cold during winter, and chilly in the summer. She wore a corset and mini-skirt which are unthinkable far north, which meant she's from somewhere warm. Bronze armor covered her long legs and gloves protect both of her arms, with a single bracer on the left one. To complete her attire, she had a circlet and some kind of neck armor.

Cardin realized that he has to be careful with this one. This girl knows how to fight, her panoply valued freedom of movement, with light armor all around her, with her main defense her shield and spear. Could she be- No. He has to be sure.

"Hi! I'm sorry, but you look kinda familiar..." Cardin asked the redhead with his most friendly tone.

The girl smiled, "I'm sure I just have one of those faces."

"Nope, I would remember someone as pretty as you." She laughed at his behest, with him joining her. "With that out of the way. Cardin Winchester." He said as he raised his palm to his chest.

"Pyrrha Nikos." The girl replied quietly. He noticed that she was hesitant to say it. She's not already wary of him, is she? It was as if she was bracing for something that the mention of her name would bring. Her name did ring a bell.

Pyrrha Nikos. The Invincible Girl. Champion of some competition he can't care to remember. No wonder he did not recognize her at first glance. She had changed much of her appearance compared when she was still in Mistral. But she failed to hide her long red hair and emerald eyes, which is understandable.

"Oh! You're that Pyrrha Nikos? Cool." He replied with some enthusiasm.

Nikos looked at him puzzlingly. Did he say something wrong? Was she expecting him to be shocked that she's a famous fighter?

"Why are you staring at me? Tell me what's on your mind, Nikos." He crossed his arms when he felt a sudden yet weak heat from the ring. What just happened? Cardin thought. It took his attention away from Nikos until she replied.

"I was just wondering about your reaction." She blurted out. "People usually clamor when they hear my name. You did not freak out or anything." Cardin was about to retort, but she added, "That's not a bad thing!"

"You like that I didn't freak out?" He mused. A famous person not wanting attention? That's pretty unusual. "I know you're that Nikos, but I just don't make a big deal over it." He noticed her faint smile when he heard his answer. "I treat everyone the same, regardless of who they are."

Well, nevermind that he can be a bastard to everyone. "What brought you here? Isn't Haven Academy closer to Argus?"

"That's great to hear." Pyrrha smiled, the tension between them slowly subsiding. "I chose Beacon Academy for a fresh start. I wanted to experience normal student life since people treated me differently back home. They were intimidated by my accomplishments, to the point that they just stopped being my friends and became fans and sycophants."

'Well, that's definitely a bit too honest' Cardin noticed that she did not even hesitate to answer his question, let alone her rationale. He looked at his ring. Is it really as magical as his father said? Well, time to find out.

"You want people to treat you like any other girl then?" He asked.

"To put it simply, yes. I want that."

"Then let me help you with that." Heat flashed again from the ring, hotter than before but not by a wide margin. "Because what better way to teach you than someone who didn't make a fuss when he recognized you?"

"I think that's reasonable." She nodded before she bowed her head jokingly. "Please teach me how to be a normal girl."

Cardin almost pumped his fist. 'Holy fuck! The ring could be magic!' But he caught himself. He wanted to believe, but the rational part of his mind told him that it's too good to be true. He needs to test it out.

He began to think of a way for them to get to someplace more private when opportunity struck.

"I have to say, if you don't want attention, you might want to avoid standing at the center of the room." He stared past her, right at the whispering students exchanging nervous stares between each other and Nikos. "Because you WILL get some attention." He motioned at the clique with his head, which Nikos followed.

Pyrrha saw a group of fans that started to catch on to her new look. "I agree."

Now was Cardin's chance. Even though Pyrrha Nikos' fame meant little to him, she was still a voluptuous hot piece. She may have been affected by the ring's magic, and he is curious to what extent the effects can be.

When he saw the tinge of nervousness from her, he had to act now. If not, she would get swarmed by her fans, which will ruin his chances.

Cardin grabbed Pyrrha's hand, much to her surprise. "Come on! We can lose them!" He whispered, a playful smile on his lips. Luckily, she did not pull her hand from his. Instead, she nodded and replied, "Lead the way!"