“Haaah…”

Sighing out of frustration, I left myself down in my seat. I didn’t miss this spot at school for sure. And another hassle was definitely going to happen today as well. Not only did I have to explain why I went from a 9/10 to a 10/10 but also had to get through history class first thing in the morning. I just want to rest! Is that too much to ask for?

I was early at school again with everything for class ready on my desk. I just now had to sit back and relax while playing some games on my phone. But seeing my reflection on my phone made me more anxious about what was coming next. And just remembering what the old man told me was not helping out in the slightest.

‘Just say you were at your aunt and uncle while your super handsome uncle helped you train a bit, he said… is he really not an idiot or is he just messing with me?’

I could go away with it if some muscles just popped out but my whole body looked like I was superman with my hair and eyes in different colours than before. These fuckers in this school wouldn’t notice this fact though but Felix will… which makes this just as complicated.

Well, I did tell him that I started to work out before while being away but I thought I could use the disguise armband and slowly show myself getting more jacked. This just makes me look like I tried to find an excuse for getting plastic surgery.

"I’m sorry but I guess that’s the wrong seat for you. My best friend sits there."

Here it comes. Here it comes…

My chest felt weird but I had to start talking anyway or this will just become more awkward.

"10th grade. You liked a girl named Alina who was in the class next door and bought two very expensive gifts which your mum scolded you for. Afterwards, you got rejected because you presented those gifts in front of her family, unbeknownst to you, and with a flustered face and a Doki Doki heart, she rejected you because of me being your friend."

The last part was said with extra enthusiasm. I just enjoyed the way I teased this lucky bastard sometimes. It really was my fault though. I mean Felix was quite popular but no one really wanted to do anything to do with him because Felix back then always tried to introduce me to those that approached him.

It’s different now but I still liked to tease him when I had the chance to. And seeing the red face of him with a face screaming ‘Oh! How could you!?!’ on his face, holding back my laughter was becoming even harder than before.

Oh shit… did I just become more like the old man? Maybe I should just face the corner and think about what I have been doing wrong all this time while asking for forgiveness…

"I swear to God, Laith! Some things shouldn’t be said just like that! Especially at school."

"When you threaten me to leave MY seat?"

"Obviously because- OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!"

Ah... Here is the reaction… now we are starting with the part I wished to skip but I had to do this. Felix was one of the people I could talk to comfortably at this moment. Talking about awakening was out of the question though. I wanted to tell him about it. I really do.

But the old man warned me that talking about it was against the Association’s code and breaking this code meant going against them. I didn’t want to be their target yet and hope to never get on their target list either.

But now, looking at Felix who had only an astonished expression, muttering there while inspecting my body all over.

“Stand up.”

“Yes!”

General Felix is giving out orders again! And of course, as a lowly soldier, I had to listen to his orders, otherwise, I’ll be punished with the loss of trust from my best friend. And before I knew it, he was poking my muscles which didn’t even cave in with his touch.

"Dude, did you get surgery? These muscles look too good to be real. And hair dye? Seriously? Couldn't you have chosen better colours? Though I got to admit, it looks naturally good on you... look more handsome like your brother here. AH! I see... Contact lenses... But then why still the glasses... What happened?"

Who handsome? Tell me! Who handsome! I was already handsome, you fucker! But lashing out now wasn’t the best option. I had to say something normal. Let's just say what the old man told me… what could go wrong…

"Nothing really. I was at my aunt and uncle’s place for the week and my uncle helped me work out while I thought of changing my image. What? I look good, don’t I?"

“You look like a wannabe Anime protagonist. It suits you but not this world. When are you going to unleash your dragon eye or your sword of judgement upon us lowly mortals.”

SMACK

“Stupid fucker! You just jealous you don’t have muscles like this!”

“Son of a… that hurt! Wait… that hurt… you really did work ou-ARGH!”

SMACK

“What you deserve!”

“Then tell me your secret so I can defend myself against what I deserve!”

Cheeky bastard… I see what you are trying to do. But not today!

“I’d rather not tell my secrets.”

"Because you don't want to help out your bro?"

"Sword of judgement!”

“Aaaaah!... Hahahahaha!”

“Hahahahaha!”

Alright. I did miss this conversation. It’s a wonder that at least he looks like he believed my story. Obviously, he didn’t but not talking much about it shows that he understands I don’t want to talk about it.

But man… I didn’t even stutter while lying. The old man became more and more of a bad influence! I should shield myself from him no matter what! Otherwise, I’ll only get more corrupted.

I was happy though… I really missed this time. Especially after spending almost a year away. This just felt right. Until it didn’t anymore. The classroom was slowly becoming more and more crowded with more and more eyes focused on me. Most of them felt like out of curiosity. Well, some did feel like they were hateful and jealous. Ha! I bet you are jealous! Well, at my body obviously.

You do not want to do the training I had to do. You just don’t.

I saw a girl who was fairly beautiful coming towards me. She swung her black wavy hair back with such confidence that I couldn’t say anything. And this same girl started to talk with me the moment she stood in front of my desk.

“Hello there! I believe you are new here but here already sits someone so how about you sit with us here. On our way, you can also tell me your name.”

Too social! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Was I really that different looking than my prior self? Shit! I don’t want to talk. But I also have to or people will think I’m actually a new person.

“Wait… maybe I can start all over aga-ARGH!!”

Felix smacked my head the moment he heard my muttering. And with this scene in front of everyone, no one knew what to say.

“For fucks sake just tell them the truth!”

“Alright! I get it… it was a joke anyways…”

Well… maybe not. But I had to tell them one day. Couldn’t just lie. Especially since this is a task the old man gave me.

So with a deep breath, I let words leave my mouth. Even if it felt weird now.

"W-well actually I'm Laith. I'm at m-my seat."

Why was it that hard? When I lashed out at James the day I met the old man, I spoke quite clearly. But maybe because of the frustration of that dream, I did stuff I’d not do usually. I wasn’t myself that week with those real-life deaths inside the dream and felt almost like giving up on everything, to be honest.

But I said it now. No turning back…

"No, you can't be Laith. He is a tall…"

Oh! Am I getting compliments now?

“...stick figure-like…”

Wait… where are the compliments going?

“...piece of trash that only is like a leech and sucks up to Felix here.”

sighing, I let my face down on the desk with my arms beneath it. Of course, this was going to happen. Even if I went like “It is really me! I swear!” then still no one would believe me. But…

I also don’t want to get beat up again. Knowing full well that this old man has eyes everywhere, I had to do what he said and be social. Otherwise, I’d just get another of his famous punishments.

So I raised my head again. I was inevitably running away from facing those faces that were usually disgusted with my very being. I faced those same people who would call me names and bullied me behind Felix’s back.

I was a coward. I was a reckless person. I was scared yet also a scary person. But this had to be a choice for me now. Do I want to stay the same? Do I want to become someone better or just let myself go with the flow of time, not even trying to change anything as this world will carry me towards my inevitable death?

No.

Why did I even get awakened if, in the end, I couldn’t fight back? Why did I take the hand of that old man when I was already in despair? Why did I endlessly fight back against the hoards of monsters in my dream when I could have just ended that dream earlier?

All of this suffering could have ended in one way. Death.

Yet I didn’t. Because I am a coward? Maybe then. But now?

No. It was because I didn’t like anything other than myself to control my own life. I’ll not let others be the reason to suffer in vain. And I have to stand up now. If I didn’t, I’d just go back to the same me as before.

Too much of a coward to even curse my own fate without doing anything about it. Too weak to face my own hardships on my own. And too weak to protect those I wished to protect the most.

So today, I stand up. And I faced everyone in this classroom. They were laughing at what this black-haired girl said right now. In the eyes of everyone else, I looked like that. Yes. but I’ll be the one to decide how I really am.

And from today onwards, I’ll not be a coward.

“That’s enough. If you do not believe me that I am Laith, then you can go back to your desk alone with the little amount of dignity you had left. If you stay though, realise that this will make you look nothing more than a hypocritical piece of shit with no amount of dignity left to support her own words. Now go fuck off already!”

I was pissed, but that wasn’t why I purely said those things. A lot of emotions were running through my head. I didn’t want to be someone hated by society but this school was a place I was already hated. How much could I fall? And now, I realised that I could just let every emotion out. There is nothing to lose anyway.

And with these words leaving my mouth, I inevitably made everyone's eyes widen with shock. It was obviously because no one understood how I became the way I am now but what I believe was also the reason was because of my words.

Yes, the old Laith would have sucked it up with nothing to lose. Yes, I’d have done that. But I was ready to face my hardships. Any hardships. And this was one of them.

The infamous leech of Felix Maximilian Weber, Laith Arslan, was now talking back against one of the school's beauty and the second most beautiful girl in our class. This obviously would make anyone shocked to see for themselves.

And not to mention the girl in question who got talked back to. I could see her cheeks getting red and her face twisting more and more, losing that beauty that she most likely was proud of.

“You fucker! How dare you say that, you disgusting leech!”

“I dare because I know myself. Better than anyone here. And I know that with what you said right now, I know a bit about you as well. Calling others stuff like a piece of shit yet when getting called piece of shit yourself all you do is get offended. Seems to me that saying you are a hypocritical piece of shit was correct. Now fuck off already. Don’t make me say that again.”

“You fucker! Just because your parents vanished doesn’t mean you can be rude like that!”

Who said that? Who was that motherfucker that brought my parents into this argument? I turned around with what looked like the face of a demon as I was filled with anger. How dare you say that! Has no one here any shame left!

When I looked around, I could see a couple of boys standing out from the rest with a certain boy in front of him.

“James… What a surprise!”

Seeing that smirk on those boys made me clench my fist harder. I was hated and I accepted it by now. But the moment you brought my parents into this, I will make you cry.

“What’s the matter? Was I that wrong? These last two weeks, every time you are at school you become ruder and ruder towards us. I mean that is not fair, right guys?”

“Yes, he’s right!”

“Just because something happened to you doesn’t mean that you have the right to do something to other people.”

“If you continue like that, we’ll make sure that you are stopped.”

James had a satisfied smile on his face when he heard his goons agree to his words while the rest in the classroom only nodded or stayed silent. No one objected to his claims. No one besides that one person standing next to me.

“You bastard! Are you that low of an asshole to even say something like that? Have you no shame?”

“What is shame when this son of a bitch acts like that! I’d rather defend myself than stay silent towards his awful actions.”

This lying bastard! Everyone here… Everyone is just a hypocrite! Who were the people that bullied me behind the back of my best friend? Who were the people that spread false rumours of me? It was you! Every last one of you!

I felt like punching him in the face. And so, I never realised that I started to speak again.

“You want to defend yourself?”

“Obviously, you stupid fucker!”

“Alright…Then try to defend yourself…”

I slowly moved forward without letting the slightest thing distract me from my target. I’ll hit you, James. And I’ll do so with pleasure!

“What are you planning to do?”

“What does it look like, James?”

Felix didn’t try to stop me, which made me relieved since I didn’t want him to interfere at this moment. James’s expression changed from a smug to a flustered face to that of an angered one. He was furious, I get it. Not every day that the one you bully tries to hit back now, is it?

“Get him!”

‘What a third rate villain thing to do. Grow some balls and fight back!’

His goons ran towards me one after another. Bad mistake. Because even if using Will isn’t allowed.

My body is naturally enough to beat an army of your friends, James.

And the moment someone punched out, I let my body flow through this room without any hesitation.

‘Left straight punch to my nose. Dodge to the side while pushing my right index finger on his nerves… right hook towards my chin. Crouch a little and a hit towards his solar plexus…a left kick towards my head… you just make it too easy there, mate… sorry about your loss of children there too…’

I was dodging and counter-attacking every boy that got in my way with precision. I do not care if someone finds it suspicious that I could fight so well but what are they going to do about it? As long as I don’t use my Will, the association won’t move and as long as I don’t hurt someone permanently, the principal won’t do shit either.

I continued to take down every last one of them with an indifferent expression on my face. I don't need to show my anger to those that only follow someone. My anger is focused on only one person.

I was in front of James now with about five boys behind me on the ground wincing in pain. His eyes were filled with the fear of experiencing the same pain as his friends. And that has its reason. Because the moment you realise that the person you bullied and hated could now fight back with no effort at all, you ultimately fear for your life.

“Come on, Jamy-boy! Defend yourself like I did when you all ganged up on me. Show me from your perspective how I looked when seven to ten boys all ran up to me just to beat me up. Show me how that made you feel excited and that this was… Fun…”

I pulled my right arm as far back as possible. I will pinch you, bastard. And the more I pulled back, the more I lost my senses of hearing, smell and taste, making me slowly even become indifferent towards Felix’s shouts to stop it. But I won’t.

My arm was as far back as possible with every bit of strength gathered in them. The tension of my muscles could even be seen but I don’t give a shit! I’ll make you pay!

“I’m sorry, Laith… I’m sorry…”

“A bit too late, aren’t you? Bastard… when did you show me kindness when I begged the same way? WHEN!!”

And that was the last straw. I threw my punch forward and I could even swear that I created a small shockwave but the feeling I felt at the end wasn’t as I would have thought. It was a hand. Someone was clenching my wrist right before my fist could touch James’s nose. How dare you stop me now! Are you playing with me! I'll bash his head in.

The moment I saw the face of who that was, I slowly got to myself, remembering that I am not normal anymore. I didn't just learn how to fight but I am also now capable of fighting monsters that could topple a small city. I realised at that moment that if I wasn’t stopped at that moment, I may have stopped being seen as a leech but would definitely be known as a murderer.

But fuck… I really wanted to hit James's face.

CLENCH

“I never thought that my first lesson as a substitute would begin that badly. Especially involving you, Laith.”

The old man was clenching hard on my wrist as I looked him in the eye. Thank you for stopping me but you can stop now. Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Stop it already! You are hurting me without healing me! ARGH! MY WRIST IS FUCKING BROKEN!!

“Khgh!”

“I’m sorry there, student. But I heard what you said and although as a teacher, who has to stay neutral, your words were indirect to me as well since this involves my sister-in-law and her husband. So I have you go to the teachers' office after class for your punishment. As for you, Laith. I’ll be taking you there myself. Do you have a problem with that?”

Sister in law? Is it as if he is my uncle? Alright, then I guess I have to play along…

“Yes, unc-ARGH!”

“At school, I’m your teacher so address me with Mr Hashimoto. Is that clear?”

“Yes… Mr Hashimoto.”

“Good… for now, everyone gets back to your seat. I want to start this lesson without any problems.”

But before the old man let go of my arm, he squeezed a bit more. I wanted to cry out but something didn't let me do that. As if I lost the ability to open my mouth and make a noise. And at that moment, I could hear the old man talking to me in my mind.

"I warn you, boy. Do not. Go. Too. Far."

Shit… was it that far? James really deserved it though. Maybe not the death part but the punch was definitely something such a fucker deserved. But fine… I'll play along…

For 6 weeks at least. After that, it's in my hands what to do with him.

As I looked back, I could see the five guys that were in pain just a moment ago were feeling fine and moved towards their seats. This old man works wonders and no one questions how? I'm not even sure myself and whenever I ask him, the old man would change the subject and won't tell me his ability.

Everyone got slowly towards their seat while most that weren’t involved in the fight were admiring the old man’s looks. He was stunning in this form, I’d give him that. The muscles of a god, the face of an angel and the attraction of the devil. Who would be able to say no to him if they couldn’t resist that? Well, I could… but I was more occupied with my right wrist.

It is broken. And my regeneration was way slower than it should be. This means the old man did something so it stayed broken longer. I guess this is my punishment for now.

“You okay, Laith?”

“Yeah… I’m fine.”

Felix looked at me with a complex expression but I really am fine besides my arm. It’s just my mind was mostly occupied with what happened right before the old man showed up.

Wait… the old man… showed up at school… as my uncle and… my teacher…

"Good morning, students. I am Akira Hashimoto, the temporary teacher in replacement for Mr Berthou who teaches history for about 2 weeks. Even if our first impressions are much to be desired, I hope we can get along well in these 2 weeks. And now we also have three new students who'll be joining this class. So please introduce yourselves."

"Hello! I'm Fe'liu Lo'oroz, I'm 18 years old and I like fencing. I hope we can get along."

"I'm Laetisa Lo'oroz, also 18 years old and the same hobby as my twin brother. I hope we can get along."

"... Alyssa Regis...hope we can get along..."

'NO! NO! NO! NO! NOOOO! I'M FINE WITH THE TWINS! REALLY! BUT THE OLD MAN?!?!? DO YOU WANT ME TO DIE EVEN AT SCHOOL GROUNDS?'

This was something like a nightmare. The fight from before vanished from my mind as all I could think of is that sadistic bastard's way of teaching me. It was hurting my brain and my body at the same time.

Why two weeks! Just get out of here in like two seconds!

But unfortunately, the universe was fair, not life. And the old man was probably here to oversee the twins of that mayor. But I know very well that this was most likely his excuse to see me at school and give me more tortures like ‘Wear this wrist band that will make you be under 20 times your gravitational pull’ or ‘Wear this ring to make your body as weak as before I met you and fight with 10 delinquents simultaneously.

The twins were… wearing normal… clothes…

Okay, why is that new girl staring at me so strongly? Did I perhaps offend her in her last life? Maybe she is the illegitimate child of the old man and he told her how she can abuse me however she wanted.

No, she doesn’t look like the old man at all and I refuse to believe that there are more Hashimotos out there that could make my life a living hell.

But this girl was staring at me so intense with her hazel eyes that had a slight gold tinge. Was she awakened? If so, the old man would have told me that at least. If that is her natural eye colour then that is very impressive.

But that staring. She even has an indifferent expression but I can feel something else than indifference in that stare. What is that? I couldn’t understand what it was, so I tried not to pay attention to it. Maybe my fight wasn’t what she expected at first.

Now, this class already had enough with a couple of beauties. Now 2 more and a hottie next to Felix were joining this class so the class was in a bigger uproar than before. How… no.

Just how is enough.

How?

Isn’t that fight just now supposed to be more of an event than more beauties joining? What the hell? Not going to lie, I feel kind of offended because of that. At least have still some lingering fe…

Nevermind. This is most likely the old man’s doing. What kind of god is that old bastard to do something like that? Maybe Will can help to manipulate human emotions and thoughts?

Also! Yes, Also! why the introduction with your true names! You are Elves! What'll happen if they... Nevermind... That monster is probably here because of that AND to make my life a living hell.

Changing my thoughts that fast can’t be healthy for me. But I got used to it after living so long with that monster. Maybe his influence on me is worse than I thought. I should call big sister Ange for some help there.

But I bet even she can’t help me here. The old man is just that much of a troublemaker.

Sitting at my desk, I stared at the newbies that will have to go into a battlefield known as [The onslaught of the students] very soon. Everyone was glaring at them like they were prised artefacts. From looks of curiosity to even bad ones like lustful and envy, I could see a wide variety of emotions in this room. But none of these glares was on me. Thankfully?

Well, not exactly. Five people were looking at me from time to time. Felix and the twins were a given. Felix saw me fight and the twins only know me in this classroom. The new girl Alyssa never stopped glaring at me with that indifferent gaze. But that feeling besides that indifference never wanted to leave my body. I tried to ignore it but that was harder with every passing second.

And the last person who’d look at me was Gina…

Yeah, didn’t understand it either… Why would she stare at me? It felt like shock mixed with curiosity. But I guess that’s a win for me.

My two-year-long crush was finally curious about me. Hehehe… I couldn’t be happier. Well no, I could.

If I had hit that fucker in the face, I’d probably be the happiest man alive!

With two desks at the far back on the right row being empty, the twins moved to the one most behind while Alyssa was sitting alone in front of them. The twins were now looking towards me on their left side. Alright, that’s enough! I do not want to get all the attention anymore.

I wanted attention because of my actions. Not like this where the students will only hate me more for taking the attention of three idol candidates.

Give me a break already!

"Now! Where were you guys last at?"

But I have to admit, the old man in a modern shirt and pants with that tie looked more like a teacher than I had ever seen him. His charms could already topple countries, that I had to admit. But with this combo of attire and charm, it wasn’t a wonder that he caught the attention of everyone in little to no time.

With a warm and gentle voice that I faintly remember when we first met, he started the lesson. Maybe I could in fact relax.

"It was the first world war. We were supposed to talk about the Gallipoli campaign."

"Ah yes. Now. The Gallipoli campaign happened because of a couple factors that could decide the outcome of the whole war. Taking out the Ottoman empire, getting the Soviets to access the mediterranean sea, a strategic point to flank the germans…”

The lesson wasn’t that bad. The old man was explaining the stuff in detail as he experienced it firsthand. And to be honest, he probably did. I didn’t concentrate much as my mind was wandering from thought to thought. I took out my notebook and started to sketch some weapon ideas I had at that moment. I felt like I could make much more only if I had a bit more resources. Maybe I should ask the old man after class if he could get me some-

“What are you doing, Laith?”

“Huh? Oh, just some sketches.”

“Heeeh… didn’t know you could sketch that well.”

“Well… it was kind of a hobby before so it’s nothing great.”

“But those weapons look really cool, not gonna lie. Like out of a Soulsborne game.”

“Heh. you think so?”

Whispering to each other, we started talking like always when we found the lessons boring. Seeing my sketches, Felix must be impressed. Although I’m not talented in this. I just got good after sketching every time for a new weapon idea that popped up in my head. And after a long time, I got better at it. It has something to do with weapons so I guess my ability is helping me out a bit? Like I already have a picture of the product in my mind and putting the fine details on paper was supported by my ability.

TACK

“Argh!”

“Please be quiet while I am holding my class, Laith.”

This old bastard! Throwing a piece of chalk at my forehead! I get it. Just stay quiet and not let others get suspicious of abilities and such. Yeah…yeah…

Seriously, what a drag.

Wait… it was the old man who was teaching… I’m screwed. I guess my full conce…

A bit of my concentration is needed. Putting more in and I might let my runes show themselves accidentally. I do not want to kill my whole classroom with just my presence. The last time I had the suppression device, with just a little bit, I made all kneel down. I do not want to see what happens without the suppression device.

The lesson didn’t really get weird. The old man did his job perfectly while most people were either engrossed by his words or by his image. Me? I was kind of listening while not trying to interrupt the class. And just like that, the end came near and the bell rang. I could see some sigh in disappointment.

Can’t blame them when this man, besides being a madman while fighting, is a very good storyteller. And his stories were almost making the students see the war in front of them. Wait… did he actually use Will to do that? That would be awesome if you could do that with Will.

No… he wouldn’t do something that arouses suspicion like that. At least not inside a classroom.

I think.

But I couldn’t even think further since two people came to my desk with happy expressions. This made me unconsciously sweat. I changed my mind, guys. No more attention for today! I want to change and be more open but I do not want to put a target on my head.

"Hello there! I'm Laetisa. And this is my brother Fe'liu. If it was alright with you, could you give us a tour of the school?"

I guess with me now not wanting to be a coward, I don’t have to play socially awkward towards those two. It may even help me boost my confidence if I do that in public. Or maybe I’ll just embarrass myself but who knows. We will only know the future if we live in it. So let's give it a try.

“Sure. I’d love to. And please, you two don’t have to talk so politely.”

“I can’t believe my little Laithy-boy is growing up so well.”

“Who you calling Laithy-boy, fuckhead!”

“Ho? Trying to fight your master now, aren’t you?”

“You, Felix? Being my master? Hoho… want to see if I am the same as before?”

“Alright! How are we fighting?”

“3 stock. FD. Fox only. Tonight. Your place. Objection?”

“Deal!”

“Deal!”

This fucker thinks that he could beat me now, ey? But sorry fucker! I have now something called inhuman reflexes. I don't give a shit if this is cheating! I earned my reflexes!

Wait… I forgot about the twins. And they were looking at me like they were kind of pissed at the fact that I ignored them here… shit…

“Ah… I-I’m s-sorry, guys…”

‘FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! LET ME NOT PISS OFF THE ROYAL ONES!’

“It’s alright. I guess it wasn’t anything meant to be rude.”

'YES!YES! I'M SAFE!'

If it wasn’t for Felix, I’d have not offended those two but thankfully Fe’liu is merciful.

Thou shall be grateful for thee has great and merciful friends.

Anyway, I got to do something now. But seeing Felix look at me like a proud father wasn’t something I’d like to see often.

"Ehem... Felix, wanna join too?"

I asked him this but in reality, I just wanted someone with human logic to help me while walking around school. Right now, only my class knows that my looks changed that much. And If I’m being asked again who I am or worse people won’t believe that I’m Laith, then today will become something that may cause my death.

Don’t you dare think of giving me a push like someone would do to do a favour! This is not favour in my eyes.

"Nah, you should be able to get along with them just fine. "

"...Traitor..."

"Ahahahahaha!"

“Don’t you laugh, fucker! I’ll take my revenge!”

I knew this was his way of taking revenge for making him worried last week but come on! Do you really want to kill your best friend?

My cause of death will be written as ‘Over-Socialising’ thanks to a certain someone! I don’t want to die yet!

Nevertheless, I walked with the twins out of the classroom and gave them a little tour. But before I left, I glanced at Felix without him noticing. And the smile I saw on his face felt…

Pretentious.

I was… speechless. But maybe he tried to hide the fact that he was worried because of me having more secrets he doesn’t know. Hypocritical for him to say since I’m sure he has secrets he doesn’t want to talk about but oh well. We are human after all.

We walked around the school with people coming up to us asking our names and class only to be disgusted when they find out that I was in fact the supervillain Laith Arslan, the one and only who will eat every last one of you. But maybe with the fact that the twins next to me were potential stars in the future, they still tried to talk to us.

Or to them. I was regarded as air as far as I could tell. But I never shied away when I was spoken to. I tried my best at least. But there never was the same type of confidence in my words like when I was talking to James. Maybe anger does make me forget that social interactions are scary. And with my face twisting more often than I wished for, I felt my cheeks getting sour.

Sitting down on an empty bench in the schoolyard, I sighed out in relief. My face could finally rest easy.

"Haaa... Didn't know I was doing face muscle training today... Why did you guys even come to school? I thought you'd have already learned most to all the things since even you all can speak our language without an accent."

"It's because father wanted us to experience a human life while we still can. When the Break is going to happen, no one will have a normal school life again and you know it. Especially since not only the races that the Association negotiated with will come but every other race that lived in the main dimension before."

I understand why but why? They wanted to learn a bit of human culture before the Break and I get it. But do you really have to go to school for that? Isn’t going out often with one or two Association members fine?

“I understand what you think but the only way we could convince the strongest man in this world to protect us if something happened was by using you as an excuse.”

“SO HE REALLY DID COME TO OBSERVE ME! I KNEW IT!!”

My outburst may have scarred the two and possibly the whole schoolyard but I didn’t give a shit. The hell you coming here for, old man! I’ll make sure to pay you back for everything you do to me here!

"Were you that sad to see us, Laith?"

Now Lae was sulking slightly after saying that. No, Lae. Of course, I do want to see my friends more often but…

“No… no… that’s not it. I just felt like it would be dangerous for Elves to come to the human world just like that. Even if you hide your ears with magic… humans kill first then ask later. And Elves have their own way of culture in the ideas of humans. Some are even…”

“Even what?”

“Yeah, Laith. What?”

“... some are even so scary that I’d shit myself the moment that would happen to me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I… I don’t want to talk about it…”

“Laith…?”

“Lae, let him be. His eyes are already screaming something I do not want to hear as well.”

Our talk continued with Lae pressuring me to say it while the merciful and kind Fe’liu helped me out from time to time. I had fun actually and forgot that the stares were continuing. I feel a bit satisfied.

I hope this will go on for a bit more. Just a bit more.