CHROLLO (POV)
What was I feeling? Ashton was no different from Caesar, and despite what I had heard Caesar had done to Elex, I didn't feel any hostility toward him. He kept on trying to convince me to join them, but Caesar wasn't one who took no for an answer. I wish I never left, I wish as soon as I saw Ashton alone without Caesar, I would have known something was up.
“What's wrong, Chrollo?” The Princess whispered to me while the Professor spoke.
She began sitting next to me in our classes with professor Swine a while back, still trying to talk with me whenever she saw fit. I wasn't going to give her the pleasure of getting what she wanted - whatever that may be. Although, despite my hesitance toward her, we had gotten closer in the sense that I didn't mind if she spoke to me, but, I would always be wary of what her true intensions were.
“It’s nothing,” I said back, “I’m just worried about Elex.”
“I heard,” She replied, “what was he doing fighting with other students? I mean, from what you’ve told me, that doesn't sound like him.”
“It’s not,” I said “and he was forced to fight in self-defense.”
'That's right, Elex wouldn't go looking for trouble as soon as I left.'
“Even so, the headmaster will have to punish everyone who was involved - self-defense or not - fighting isn't prohibited on school grounds. I mean, he could get expelled for that. If they were using elemental abilities, someone's life could have been in danger.”
I sighed, resting my head within my palm on the table. ‘I'll have to speak with him’ I thought. If he was already having problems with Caesar, why didn’t he tell me in the first place? Why did he encourage me to go and speak with them knowing that he wasn’t on good terms with them? Why didn't he tell me?
If he just spoke to me, I could have been there to vouch for him when they were found by the teachers. I’m not naive, I knew there was something between them, but I just didn't think it was this bad, considering he never brought it up, even after I told him I was going to speak with Caesar.
I just hope he can be more open with me. I like him, and I don’t want him to get into any more trouble without me knowing I could do something to help. He should be able to rely on me. Because . . . I need to rely on him. I’ve never had someone like Elex before, I’ve never had a friend.
“ - However, Lord Kalick had other plans of securing his older brother’s inheritance. . . ” Professor Swine went on. I had been losing focus throughout the entire class that I almost forgot what the topic of the day's lesson was. However, like always, it was just more teachings about the history of the kings, queens, and nobles of the Human kingdom.
“. . . and he went to his elder brother's servant and told him that King Rothsin had given his elder brother permission to take thirty cattle from each of the royal farms." Professor Swine continued. “Naturally, the servant did as told, no questions asked. But, when the time came that the missing cattle had come to the king's attention, Lord Kalick went to the king in private and said that his older brother had gained a sudden increase in cattle at their own family farms. The king put two and two together and assumed this to be treason and later punished Lord Kalick's older brother by leaving him, his wife, and children to hang from the city gates and starve to death as a punishment for their greed.”
‘Disgusting,’ I thought, ‘how far people will go for their own benefit. How far the nobility will go.’
“Emily,” The Professor called for the girl. “Tell us what the author said in the summary at the end of writing his report on this case.”
“Yes, Sir." she replied with her own copy of the book in hand, "The author finishes by saying that to gain power, brother would turn against brother and that sometimes the closest person to you could be the very thing that will drag you down. However, the case of Lord Kalick was a special one, considering it came to light just before he died of old age. The author says that many situations like that may have happened, but we simply never learned of them.” She finished and then sat down.
“Thank you, Emily”
“But, sir,” a boy called out, “obviously this book is outdated, after all, we wouldn’t need to be fearful of our friends and relatives today. Right?” He asked.
“I would agree. However, it is still important for us to learn the message of not getting too comfortable with people when power is at stake. Or at least, make sure you're around people you know you can trust.”
The princess moved awkwardly in her chair next to me, grabbing my attention.
“But, I still agree with you,” Professor Swine continued, “relations between family now, is no where near as dreadful as they were back then”
I scoffed, 'You haven’t met my family.’
“Anyway, that was the main reason there was major conflict within the Human council during the war. Lord Kalick was able to take his brother's inheritance and make his way onto the council, however, he wasn’t mentally ready for the position, causing many mistakes that would have cost us the entire war if it weren't for the help of the Demon kingdom.”
Another student slowly raised his hand half-heartedly. After he was noticed by the teacher, he stood up and spoke, “Umm, sir. Why is it that the Demons' interference was such a major help for the Humans?” he asked.
The class began to murmur, and giggles could be heard from some of the students. After all, the answer was obvious. Everyone knew of the house that arose within the Demon kingdom during the war and practically controlled the main line of attack.
The boy sat back down in his seat with embarrassment, the people around him giving him awkward looks.
Professor Swine raised his hand to quell the commotion. “Now, that is a perfectly normal question. Why was the help of the Demon king a much-needed force for the survival of the Human kingdom? After all, Zarendal was a kingdom to be reckoned with, It's most likely bigger than the Human and the Demon kingdoms put together. The Demons' interference shouldn't have made a difference, right? So then, why did the help of the Demons do so much? Would someone like to answer their classmate's question?”
The girl named Emily raised her hand faster than anyone could, and rose to speak once chosen. “To be precise, the Demons were actually neutral throughout the majority of the first few decades of the war and they didn't interfere until after then. The two main reasons they were a lifesaver for the Humans was because they were neighbors to the Humans, meaning that the two kingdoms are literally separated on the same piece of land. Therefore, resources were shared easily and communication came with little effort.” She said, “The second and more commonly known reason was because of the Vayne house - led by Crucious Vayne at the time. They were and still are, one of the Demon kingdom's strongest noble families. However, before the war and before Crucious, they were just an ordinary house that had not gained the title of nobility until their efforts in the battles. Even today, the eldest child of the Vayne house is rumored to be the new member of the Ten Saxum. Just more proof of their natural strength.” The class began to murmur again at her statements.
My head sank deeper within my palms, as my irritation and eagerness to leave was increasing. The story was well known in the Demon kingdom. How Crucious Vayne - a legendary figure of power and strength - single-handedly took down a brigade of Elven mages, causing the victory for the Humans and Demons during the battle of Windsap. A story I heard far too often.
“Sir, what is the Ten Saxum?” another voice asked within the crowd.
“Children, We are going off-topic, I suggest we-”
“Please, sir” another voice pleaded, “It's almost the holiday and we’ve already had our exams, could we just talk about other things for the rest of the class?” The other students agreed with the boy.
Professor Swine sighed, “I suppose we could relax today. What would you like to talk about?” he said.
“The Ten Saxum, sir”
“Very well." He took a seat at his desk in the middle of the room, "The Ten Saxum, are a group of individuals whose sole purpose is to protect the continent. No matter their race, or family position, they are an unbiased group who work on a level above the monarchs, and who only want to maintain the peace. Don’t you know all of this though?” he asked.
“Apparently not all of us, sir,” Emily said.
'Anyway,” he continued, “ The origins of the Ten Saxum stems from Nethuin Ranvier. As you all know, after the war, Nethuin Ranvier was a symbol of order and peace, and since he couldn't be everywhere at once, he had plans to create a group that would protect all four corners of the continent. However, he was never able to announce it himself after his disappearance, so, his associates who he had told about his dream, set out to find ten individuals who were considered the most powerful at the time to create the Ten Saxum. An interesting story in my opinion.”
“But, sir. Emily said that the eldest child of the Vayne family was to be chosen to join the group. Can anyone join?” another student asked.
“Nobody really joins the Ten Saxum, to become one of them you have to be chosen and that can only happen when one of the ten dies. Unfortunately, one of the members passed earlier this year from old age, therefore, a spot has been open for some time now. However, word has gone round that one of the Vayne children will fill that spot.”
“Amazing,” a boy said, “I’m going to try to be one of the Ten Saxum one day.”
His friend next to him laughed out loud, “You would need the blessing of all the gods - real and fake - to accomplish that. If anyone in here was to make it into the Ten Saxum, it would be him” he said pointing at me.
The class turned to face my direction. “What?” I said, a little startled.
“Oh, come on, I saw your fight with the other guy. He only won because he caught you off guard, right?”
“Right,” I said.
“Agh, I could take him.” The boy from before spoke aloud.
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“Zack, trust me, You can't. If you were in my sparring class you would have seen them fight. They were amazing.” he insisted.
“Well, you should have seen me in my sparring class. I came out on top during one of our class tournaments.”
“No you didn't,” a girl said from the other side of the room, “I’m in your sparring class, weren't you the one who got sent to the infirmary after you sprained your ankle over your own attack?”
The class began to chuckle slightly, as Zack sat there flustered. They resumed their idle chat about hot topics within the kingdom, such as new technology, famous mages, or the Arcadian ruins.
‘When will this class be over.’ I thought. My boredom could be seen plastered on my face because the princess spoke gently to me again.
“If you're so eager to leave, why don't you just ask? I could help you look for your friend, Elex.” she offered.
“I’m fine, thanks,” I replied.
Elex didn’t show up to our previous classes with Professor Dom. I had assumed he was just resting or maybe he wasn’t feeling well after the incident, but I hadn’t seen him at lunch either. Leo and I enjoyed each other's company, but we were both concerned for him.
“Elex will talk to me when he's ready, no need to rush,” I said. ‘Or maybe I should just check on him?’
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Another day had gone by and I still hadn’t heard from Elex. I wasn't sure what to do. I didn’t have any experience of talking with someone who isn’t around. I suppose that's expected since I never had any friends. Even when I went to his dorm room to check if he was there, I got no response at the door. Could he have left the school grounds? Would he have been expelled? No, that seems too rash of a decision for them to make, he was most likely just away.
Considering I had no classes today, I made my way to the training stadiums to practice some of my mana training exercises. Elex had decided to learn internal techniques which I was helping him with, but I had to make sure that I stayed sharp myself. If I was going to continue showing him how to improve, I need to keep learning and improving as well.
After changing into my training kit, I made my way to one of the stadiums. However, upon entering my chosen arena, I saw Ashton huddled around a few more boys. And among them, stood Caesar.
Without a second thought, I turned around and headed back for the door. But, something struck me. A sudden realization that I shouldn’t be running from these people. They were not a threat to me. In fact, all they had done was hurt my friend, and I was berating myself for considering walking away. No. I hadn’t lived the life I had lived so that I could quiver and run at the sight of scum. What would my father do if he saw me right now?
With that thought in mind, I turned around and headed straight for them. With every action, there is a reason behind it, I had to know what was their reason for attacking Elex.
As I approached, they seemed to take notice of me, as Ashton looked my way before indicating to Caesar who was sparring with one of the other boys. Well, if you could even call it sparring, he was beating the boy to a pulp.
“I yield, I yield,” The boy said. His arm was held in an awkward position by Caesar, and despite his cries, he showed the boy no mercy.
“Chrollo,” he said whilst fighting, “have you finally come to your senses and decided to join us?”
“Unfortunately not,” I replied.
He threw the boy violently to the ground where he landed with a thump and held his arm in pain. “Well then, what is it you’ve come for?” he said.
I took a breath, “Leave Elex alone,” I said firmly.
“And whhy should I do that? He acts as if he is one of us, and we both know he isn’t. We both grew up at the finest level of nobility, and don't deny it, I can tell you’re a noble from the Demon kingdom.” he said.
“Even so, what's your problem with him? You target him and no one else.”
“I don't have any personal problem with him,” he said indifferently, “it's just the way of society really. We need people at the bottom to serve and work, while those at the top regulate and control. The only reason I targeted him was because he sticks out like a sore thumb. I’m sure there are many other commoners at this school, but they don't act the same way he does.”
“What, with confidence?”
“Like a noble,” he grimaced. “Something he isn’t.”
“You act as if being nobility is something to be prideful about when the truth is that all they do is prey on the weak and use them for their own gain.”
“Your point being . . .? ” he said, “Chrollo, you and I both know that's just the natural order of things, the lion kills the sheep. It's a tradition of society, so let's not act like it doesn't exist.”
“I don't care what you think exists, leave him alone. Unlike you, I don't let myself be a slave to tradition, because I know that unless you yourself benefit from it, it's good for nothing.” I rebutted. Memories from home began to rise, and I turned to walk away before my emotions would rise with them.
Ashton sighed, “You disappoint me, Chrollo. Even after I spoke with you kindly, you're still going to refuse?”
“And you disappoint me.” I turned back, “Are you happy with your tradition? Happy that someone like him tells you what to do as if you were a dog? Happy that you serve him like the slaves you look down upon?” I said pointing to Caesar.
Ashton scoffed, “I don't serve anyone. And Caesar doesn’t control me, I choose what I want to do and when I want. Like how I decided to speak with you myself instead of bringing you to Caesar as he asked.”
“Oh, let me guess, you're exempt from his oppression because you're a high-born Giant? Don’t talk as if you earned your status. If it's not him you follow, there's always someone else.”
“And what about you?” he asked.
“Huh?”
“You're here on behalf of your friend, what makes you any different from a dog? He could have come himself, but instead, he sent you.”
“That's where you're wrong, I came here by myself because I care about him. That's the difference between a slave and a friend. If given the chance, a slave will run and leave their master to rot, while a friend will help no matter the situation. As an act of kindness for what you did to me, I warn you, if you don't come to understand that fact soon enough, it will be the reason for your downfall.” I said angrily.
My emotions riled up within me, mixing together to create something I knew wasn't good. I could feel it coming, like it always did when I would lose my cool. The slight searing sensation on my chest, spreading to my shoulders and arms. All I could do was stand there and resist it. Fight it.
'Why now?' I thought.
“And that's where you’re wrong,” Ashton said, “in a world run by power, you will slowly start seeing yourself being served naturally by the weak. Just that slight power difference can be the reason a friendship falls apart. Which is why we offered you to join us and stay with people more on your level. You better learn that, because if you don't, it will be the reason someone betrays you.” he finished.
I didn't respond, I couldn’t respond. All I could focus on was holding it back, keeping it at bay. I wanted to walk away and leave, but I knew if I even moved, It would start to spread. It was difficult to resist, as along with this curse also came anger, hatred, rage, and . . . bloodlust. I yearned to let it go, to let loose on those in front of me, but I knew that If I did, being expelled would be the least of my problems.
“So, if you’re not here to join, you can leave. We have no further business with you” Caesar said.
I still didn’t say anything. All I could think about was ripping that flapping tongue from his stupid mouth. The tone of his voice crept through and irritated my very being, it felt as if their gazes at me were provoking and I wanted to see them suffer for it.
‘No, calm yourself’ I thought. Sweat began to drip from my head.
“We said leave!” Ashton shouted. “Are you deaf too?”
One of the boys that was standing with them approached me on Caesar's mark.
‘No, don't come near.'
I couldn't help myself, I could feel everything as if my senses were heightened. The sound of the boys' footsteps, the rhythm of his breathing, the blinking of his eyes, they all set me off.
“Hey!” The boy shouted.
When he came close enough to push me, the instant his hands made contact with my chest, I couldn’t hold it in anymore and thought it best to release the energy built up within me on this poor boy. However, by refraining from using my arc stones I could minimize the damage done.
In one quick motion, I swiped his hand away from my body and released my fist down on his torso with a ruthless amount of strength. The boy went flying past the rest of the group as they continued to stare at me, gawking.
A sickening smile formed on Caesar’s face and Ashton glared at me as if trying to predict my next move.
Acting as If I did that on purpose, I said “Continue to annoy me or Elex, and that will be you.” I aimed my head at the boy clutching his chest on the floor.
Turning away quickly, I swiftly made my way out of the door and to the changing rooms where no one would see me. The markings burned my body, or at least they felt like they did. The tension and pressure that built up within me was screaming to be let loose, just that one mana-infused punch felt so good. I needed to feel that same relief.
Struggling to stay focused and move one foot straight in front of the other, I came across the bathroom mirror and saw myself. However, when I looked at myself, I was shocked at what I saw. The black markings had spread and slithered up from my chest and had progressed onto my neck, going off and changing directions like a tree and its roots into the ground. If it weren't for the training kit being a dark color, they all would have noticed the black hue emanating from under my clothes.
Why did I have this thing? Why does it torment me on top of the problems I already have? I lost control today and it came out, just like how I almost lost control when I first fought Elex. What would have happened if I couldn't control it?
As the tension didn't seem to subside, I took a glimpse down at the sink in front of me and thought of releasing my mana within the pipes. Of course, in any other situation, I wouldn’t even consider that, but right now, consideration wasn't on my mind.
Quickly turning the faucet to allow cold water to rush into the sink, I place my palm to face above the drainage pipe and let down a wave of fire into the water system. The surface of the sink around the drain slightly began to burn and the pipes below were visibly getting brighter with the increased heat.
Suddenly the drainage pipe burst open from under the sink, and the flames I exerted flared outward along with the now heated water that spilled onto the floor.
‘Just a little longer’ I thought.
I could feel the strain within my body fading and the black marks slowly retreating down from my neck, but the singed sink bowl and water pipes were in ruin, and the cold water that spilled along the floor was the only thing stopping the floor from igniting.
I looked back up at the mirror, but it was clouded with steam and hot mist. However, I could slightly see that I was back to normal. Although I didn't completely feel that way on the inside.
“There,” I sighed with relief. The release of all that pressure was almost euphoric. I knew that releasing it always felt better than holding it back, but it seemed to take over in places where that wasn’t possible.
I sighed again, followed by my panting breaths of exhaustion. Running my fingers through my hair, I turned around to see Elex standing behind me.
“Elex? What are you doing here?” I asked. Did he see me? Did he see the marks on my body?
“Well I needed to use the toilet before I went and apologized to Professor Dom.” he said, “What are you doing to that sink?”
“I . . . It was an accident. I was just practicing some new techniques?” I lied. He didn't see them.
“With the sink?” he said. He clearly knew I was lying.
I didn't reply.
“Relax, I’m not interrogating you,” he smiled, “although, I suggest you report that to someone at the front desk before someone else does.”
“I will.” I replied, “By the way, where have you been? I heard you got into a fight with some people, and then you just didn’t show up to our class the next day. I thought you had been Expelled”
“What do you mean? -” The sound of the bell rang loud throughout the building letting us know it was midday.
“Agh, damn,” he said, “I need to go, I told Professor Dom I’d be with him right now. Don't want to get into any more trouble with him,” he said as he quickly left.
I turned back to look at the mess I had made. ‘Let's clean some of this up before I tell the school,’ I said to myself.