Chapter 67
this is a fictional story by realTensai
“Everyone is here, so let’s start with our meeting.”
Lia sat behind her desk with a pile of sheets right in front of her. Everyone else took a seat at the large table, organizing their thoughts and notes before the student council president would continue. The people present were all student council members Lia, Alvis, Chao, Maya, and the three first years, Bero, Dagon, and Lyon.
“As you all are probably well aware, our school is facing a big problem.”
No one spoke up, but all their faces turned grim.
“Until now there haven’t been many issues with racism. Of course, there were some cases where some students crossed a line, yet Mr. Woltzer’s efforts to maintain a healthy school environment always paid off.”
Lia stopped for a second, her emerald eyes turning colder.
“But now the situation has changed. After the incident a week ago, the demon students don’t feel safe anymore and their mistrust of others is clear. So today’s topic will be what we as student council can do against the racism within our school and how we can create a more positive school environment for everyone.”
“This sure gonna be tough,” Chao said, scratching his chin.
The first years seemed to share his sentiment as their faces showed uneasiness.
“It’s our responsibility as the student council,” Maya said.
“I know it won’t be easy, but this is why we are here,” Lia said, turning everyone’s attention back to her. “We should gather ideas and then see how actionable they are.”
They all nodded.
“Anyone got something?”
Alvis didn’t yet answer, even though he had an idea. He wanted to see what the others thought.
“Ehm.. actually I have something.”
His timid voice somehow reached everyone, yet as they all looked at him, his eyes trembled. However, the fact that one could see his eyes already showed his improvement. He had cut his long greasy blonde hair short, exposing his maroon eyes and sharp face. The one who spoke up was Lyon, one of the three first years that had become Alvis’ ‘students’.
“T-There had been some discussions about racism in my class.” He began with a shaky voice. “But it wasn’t just the demons that were involved, also some dwarves and beast men. They were arguing with the humans and blaming them for the tragedy that had happened to the demon girl. Of course, the humans didn’t accept that because they weren’t involved in the incident. Yet, this argument alone shows that the demons project their hatred to all humans. So if we want to change something, we have to change the generalization and the prejudices.”
“Wow, I didn’t know you could talk like that.”
Chao’s comment represented everyone’s opinion. Lyon just scratched his cheeks, awkwardly awarding his gaze.
He still has a long way to go.
However, even though Alvis thought that the proud smile on his face showed his real emotion.
“I’ve got something to say, too.”
“Yes, me too.”
And as if to not want to be left behind, Dagon and Bero spoke up.
“You can start Dagon.”
He placed two of his arms on the table while he held his other two crossed before his chest. Then, with a glare that would make everyone who didn’t know him shrink back in fear, he started.
“How do I say this… but I understand how the other demons feel. I’m a demon too and I would be lying if I said that this event hasn’t shaken up my trust in humans or other races in general. They just don’t know how it feels. To leave your home country just to be met with enmity. We already know they don’t want us, but it’s not like we wanted to leave our homes out of free will. All this racism and hatred towards us makes it hard to trust even one of them. Even if said person would be innocent.”
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They all just took it in without saying a word. He voiced his honest thoughts without holding back, confronting everyone with the brutal reality. This was how it was to be a demon within the Union.
“I think it would be tactless if I say I understand, but I got the feelings transported with your message. Thanks for your valuable insight, Dagon.”
Lia’s soft and empathetic words made even a guy like Dagon smile.
“Even if this might be the case, no, because this is the case, we have to change it,” Maya said, her firm voice the opposite of Lia’s. Yet it only complemented her, aiding Lia to get her point across. “We have to find ways so that our demon classmates at least feel welcome in our school.”
“I think so too,” Chao said, taking the initiative. “As students, we spend most of our time in school, so if even this place can’t be a safe escape from society, the demons have nowhere to go.”
“I know that too, but how are we going to achieve that?”
“I have an idea.”
Everyone stared at Bero, though he didn’t waver.
“We can make a festival where everyone gets to know each other.”
“Huh? A festival? What are you talking about?”
“I don’t think he was finished. Let him continue.”
It was the first time Alvis spoke up, and it was to support his student. Bero’s eyes lit up, and he continued.
“It may sound silly, but a festival is the best way to lighten up the mood. If everyone comes together to have fun, they will naturally get closer to each other. They will also notice that their prejudices are wrong and that they indeed are welcome at our school.”
The bear beast man’s enthusiasm overflowed the room and infected his fellow first-year comrades.
“This is a great idea!”
“Yeah, I like it too.”
Maya and Chao still seemed skeptical, though this was the perfect part for Alvis to add his opinion.
“I share Bero’s view.”
“Wow, Bero, you got even the boss’ approval.”
Alvis just shook his head and went on.
“Just like he said, a festival would be the best way to get everyone together in a joyful mood. We could have a culture festival representing every race and their cultures. This way, one gets to know the others on a deeper level while still having fun. Also, whilst preparing for the culture festival, we all work together on a big goal which helps to set aside hatred and even builds trust.”
“Now I see the vision,” Chao said with a smile.
“This is indeed a good idea,” Maya added.
A huge grin formed on Bero’s face and his friends grinned, too.
He looks like a giant teddy bear.
“Thank you Bero for this great input,” Lia said, smiling. “I also like this idea and going by everyone’s reaction, I assume we can agree on further improving this idea.”
Everyone just nodded.
“Okay, so if we want to turn this culture festival into reality, we first have to convince Mr. Woltzer. Let’s start with writing down an outline of our ideas and actionable and realistic steps so we can confront him with a well-thought-out plan. I think if we do that, he will agree.”
“We also have to think about how we are going to finance everything. A festival that includes the entire school will be quite expansive.”
“You got a good point, Maya.”
“I think we should really focus on the aspect of including every race in this festival,” Chao said, pointing out something very important. “If we can combine everyone’s culture in one big festival, it can be a meeting ground not just for us students but also for the city as a whole.”
“Oh, so you mean we should invite outsiders too?”
“Yes. Our school is quite influential. If we get something great going, it might influence the entire city and improve the deteriorating mood.”
“Amazing.”
Alvis smiled upon seeing how everyone was involved in this discussion. Even Lia got her joy back upon sensing hope for a better future.
This is gonna be great!
“VRROOOOOOOM!”
However, a loud sound shook everyone in the room.
“What is that?!”
They held their ears as the ground shook and the room darkened. As Alvis looked around to figure out what was going on, he could see how a black sphere manifested outside, shrouding the entire school.
A barrier?
“Ehm… Test, test..” A sudden voice grabbed everyone’s attention. “Oh nice, everyone can hear me.”
“W-Who is that?”
“You are probably wondering who I am and what’s happening right now. But don’t worry, I will explain everything. First, let me introduce myself.”
However, simultaneously, Alvis’ system opened up.
[NOTIFICATION: LEVEL 4: WAR OF RACES HAS BEGUN]
Level 4: War Of Races
Mission: Win
Respawns: 3
STATS
Name: Alvis Silva
Level: 16
Class: Mage
HP: 300
MP: 450
-----
Strength: 20
Agility: 24
Health: 25
Sense: 19
Intelligence: 35
----
Available Ability Points: 0
Skills
Skill slot: 5/7
[Passive]
Evasion Lvl. 5
Mind Shield Lvl. 1
[Active]
Advanced Mana Manipulation Lvl. 8
Assassin’s Eye Lvl. 6
Mastermind Lvl. 12
Inventory
No Items
Daily Quests
- Push-ups [100/100]
- Sit-ups [100/100]
- Squats [100/100]
- Run [10km/10km]
“What?”
Alvis couldn’t even take in what was happening, and the mysterious voice continued.
“I’m the Devil Cult’s Priest of Knowledge, Elric Zweistein. I will be the host of this survival game.”