“You’re really a magnet for all sorts of trouble!”
Unexpectedly, Samuel was the first visitor of Zeke. The energetic youth had snuck in the dead of the night when Xavier had retired to his room.
“Freaking hell, dude! Your arm looks like shit!”
“It does indeed.” Replied Zeke while softly laughing. In times like these, Samuel’s honesty was a breath of fresh air. Although they didn’t have a lot of time to hang out recently, Zeke’s impression of the Detective’s son was favorable.
After all, Samuel would offer help when asked and despite his blabbering mouth, he was a loyal and amicable individual.
“What did that gloomy doctor say? Will you be able to participate in the Practical Exams?”
“He wants me to rest, but I don’t want to be graded solely on the Theoretical Exams.”
“Speaking of which, I’ve got the chart.”
Samuel grinned and leaned closer as he fished out his phone and showed a picture to the curious Zeke.
Depicted on the poorly-taken picture was the chart for the upcoming battles, which would be considered an evaluation and proper exams.
All First-year students would be fighting each other, based on their individual ranks.
Samuel had already managed to improve his rank, climbing to the 27th spot, barely making it into the top 30.
“It’s like a mini-tournament, one filled with a bunch of rules and regulations. Anyhow, I’m going to face a student from class A, Seran Von Dart ranked 22nd. As for you, they seem to have purposely matched you against Azmer. See? These battles weren’t chosen randomly, I’m sure of it.”
The school definitely knew the feud between Zeke and Azmer, and pitting up against each other was to be expected, especially after they had been embroiled in the supposed ‘gas pipe explosion’ shown on the media.
Either the teachers wanted them to end their dispute once and for all, or they wanted to fan the flames and make it worse. Whatever it was, Zeke didn’t want any part of it and he had already been warned to rest in the infirmary, so he would likely miss his first fight.
Although he had agreed to fight Azmer, both of them were planning to fight in a secluded place and not be bound by Erys’ rules or the intervening overseers or even the Dean.
In fact, ever since Zeke had received that message from Sulong, he had resolved himself and cared significantly less about the upcoming exams.
It was a shame that he wouldn’t be able to raise his Rank, but there were still the Final Exams. Therefore, in this period of rest, which would be prolonged by the break subsequent to the practical exams, Zeke would focus on his own personal matters.
However, by not undergoing the exams, Zeke would lose the chance to climb to the top 10 as the final exams alone weren’t enough. Ultimately, he would use this afforded break to obtain a bit of money for next year’s tuition and try to achieve his other goal.
“By the way, next time you decide to run gods-know-where, take me with you, ‘kay?”
“...”
“Huh? What’s with that face? I want to join the fun too. Even if you don’t tell me, I know you’ve been involved in dangerous cases… hehehe, call it the instincts of a Detective’s son.”
“For both of our sakes, it would be best for you to study hard and become a model student.”
“You mean like those uptight ones in the Student Council? They’re like robots, only knowing how to follow the rules to the letter and train day and night. I’m more of a free-spirited soul.”
“Even if it doesn’t sit well with you… do it for your father, at least.”
Seeing his friend’s serious expression, Samuel, wryly smiled, lowered his head, and shrugged his shoulders.
The two friends chatted for a while before Samuel snuck away. However, right as he left, the door to the infirmary was opened and Xavier entered.
“Get up.”
Startled by the man’s instructions, Zeke instinctively got off the bed and confusedly looked at the doctor.
“Except with fatigue born from over-exertion, you are more or less healed. The Principal asked me to let you participate in the Practical Exams.”
Clearly, Xavier wasn’t happy with this result. He was squeezing the words out of his mouth while venomously glaring at Zeke.
“Go back to your dorm room.”
Although not expecting this, Zeke happily left after gathering his belongings.
But, yet again, he was met with a surprise as four students were blocking the path right outside the Administrative Bureau building.
“This is the second time you’ve caused a disturbance, Zeke Orland.”
Harold Grime, along with the selfsame Council members from last time, were standing in front of Zeke, giving him unfriendly looks.
“Disturbance? You speak as if I’ve broken the rules. Why don’t you get off my back?”
Zeke didn’t know why Harold harbored malice towards him, but he was no longer the same person who had let himself be oppressed. Even if the other party was a distinguished and famous student, Zeke refused to be blamed baselessly like this.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“This is a warning. Don’t let your momentary fame get to your head.”
“What sweet irony coming from your mouth. Just because you’re the President of the Student Council doesn’t mean you’re above me. Hah!” Zeke scoffed mockingly and added,
“I bet you only bark like this in front of First Years. Why don’t you try that with your peers? Celestia, for example.”
Harold’s face distorted and an invisible pressure emitted from his body. In response, lightning burst from Zeke’s body, shooting the ground and crackling in the air.
“You’re going to attack an injured junior? Really?”
Zeke’s provocation worked wonders on the prideful Harold, but before he did something rash, the stalwart exchange student from the Serey Zhan Empire, Francois, extended his hand and shook his head at Harold.
“This will not be the end of it.”
He unceremoniously waved his hand and departed along with the other three.
‘What an annoying prick. He seems so fixated on me… what the hell did I do to him?’
Zeke was as annoyed as Harold, but he didn’t let show on his face. After contemplating for a bit, he was returned to the dorm room, in which all his three roommates were sleeping.
…
Early morning, right before the first batch of battles began, when appropriate modifications were made to the large arenas, Zeke was woken up by one of his teachers, Christopher.
The stern man stood at the center of the room, his eyes directed at Zeke.
“There has been a… situation. Come with me.”
Christopher ignored the surprised looks he got from Alan, Samuel, and Azmer, and hastily dragged Zeke outside, not even giving him the time to change clothes or do anything for that matter.
…
“What’s the meaning of this, Elder Vas?”
A short elderly wearing a white and yellow-ish traditional robe and supporting himself with a wooden stick was facing Principal Solas, who didn’t seem to be in a good mood.
The old man was accompanied by several people, including a tearful Olivia.
“My son-in-law has been brutally killed. I’m here seeking the criminal.”
Vas Vyrsan, one of the esteemed figures overseeing the Vyrsan Family, chuckled heartily and raised his wrinkled and bony hands to signal a group of black-clothed men standing at the back.
Their leader stepped forward and took out a piece of paper while loudly stating,
“This is an arrest warrant for Zeke Orland.” The prosecutor bowed his head and continued, “We hope for your cooperation, Principal Solas.”
It wasn’t just Solas who was present, Erva, Nayro, and a handful of other teachers were also there, all eyeing Vas Vyrsan and the prosecutors with what could only be described as anger and discontent.
Excluding Celestia and John, the other members of the Special Investigation Squad were also present. Maxine, shocked to see her mother here, stepped forward.
“Mother, what are you doing?!”
“I’m seeking justice!” Shouted back Olivia while wiping her fake tears.
“That psychopath killed your father! Instead of waiting for me, you should have brought him to the authorities yourself.”
Maxine was already briefed about what happened. Edward explained the whole situation, therefore, she knew what Olivia and Anthony were planning to do. Still, she wasn’t as resolute as her older brother, and still hoped for some sort of reconciliation.
However, when her own mother came here along with her grandfather and a group of prosecutors, all ready to snatch Zeke, Maxine knew that it was too late.
After a momentary silence, she lowered her head as an invisible force pulled her back, and when she looked to the side, she saw Solas shaking his head and motioning for her to stay at the back.
“This is not for you to handle.”
His quiet words made the girl clench her hands and return to her colleagues’ side.
“We have rules here, Elder Vas. Are you willing to taint our relationship because of a loosely-investigated case?”
“I’m here at my daughter’s behest. Also…” The elderly grinned and added, “I’m not the only one who wants the boy apprehended. Believe me when I say that any sort of resistance will not benefit you, especially now.”
It was then that Christopher arrived with Zeke, whose eyes narrowed as he coldly stared at Olivia.
‘So that’s how you want to do it, mother.’
He had failed to kill her the first time, and now that he saw what she was doing, he couldn’t help but feel insatiable rage and an urge to finish this once and for all. Nonetheless, he kept a straight face and composed his breathing, unwilling to let himself become emotional.
‘The Principal wouldn’t risk a fight, so I’ll be handed to the prosecutors. Then again, I doubt they’ll keep me alive until I reach the prosecution's office. Since she even brought Elder Vas, then she really wants me dead. It’s fine, Zeke… breathe and think. I need to make the most out of this… the most…’
“There he is! Arrest him!”
Olivia, with a red face ruined and make-up, pointed at Zeke while shouting atop her lungs. However, the prosecutors were motionless like statues, obviously unwilling to provoke Solas before he gave his consent.
Zeke knew that trying to defend himself would be utterly pointless. Shifting the blame, feigning innocence and ignorance, or offering an explanation wouldn’t make them go away.
The old principal approached Zeke, reassuringly patting his shoulder while muttering with a barely audible voice,
“I know what happened. Edward and many others have your back, so you don’t need to be afraid.”
“I’m not afraid.” Said back Zeke as he kept looking at Olivia, a hidden murderous glint within his eyes.
[Sensing interference… automated defense program activated!]
[Threat eliminated.]
[Protocol 2 has been temporarily lifted.]
[Initiating ‘The Call’: All available Seats will be alerted.]
Zeke didn’t know how he did it, but the System seemed to be responding to his unvoiced thoughts and emotions. He knew nothing about the protocols and didn’t think that calling Sulong would be of much help.
“W-wait! You can’t do that… sir. Please.”
Maxine shoved away V-’s hands and tried to interfere but, unexpectedly, Vanessa caught her off.
“It would be in our best interest to not interfere right now.”
“Hah! You’re only saying that to back your grandfather!”
“...”
Vanessa and Maxine glared at each other, but James and V, fortunately, stepped in and quelled the argument before it escalated.
Standing at the side, Professor Nayro’s beady jet-black eyes were letting out an ominous light as they scrutinized Zeke.
After a couple of breaths, the Zyth raised his head and looked at the dark clouds forming amidst the clear blue sky. He was the only one who had noticed the subtle change within Zeke’s body.
As if reading his thoughts, Solas leaned closer to Zeke and whispered, “Don’t do anything stupid. Keep silent and this will be over soon. Trust me.”
“Do you really think they’ll keep protecting you if they knew what you are? Hah?!”
Olivia was getting restless as she threatened Zeke with his secret, which made his body twitch.
“You’re a psychopath. A murderer.”
Zeke hid both hands behind his back and smiled, unperturbed by her insults.
The Rune of Life was pulsating with a dark blue light; Clouds were covering the sky and slowly swirling ominously, turning the atmosphere tenser.
‘I can do it. I just need a momentary distraction.’
With so many powerhouses present, Zeke wouldn’t be able to directly attack Olivia, never mind kill her. However, he had an alternative, one offered by the System itself.