Chapter 74

this is a fictional story by realTensai

Alvis’ eyes widened as soon as he heard what Kris had said. He shook his head, second-guessing his hearing, yet he couldn’t have been mistaken.

Kris wants to team up with Gilsymbato.

No matter how Alvis saw it, it didn’t make sense. Kris wasn’t the type of guy who would put himself over others just so he could survive. Also, teaming was prohibited and Kris would never break a rule. Not an important one like this. This offer had to have a deeper meaning. Yet instead of wondering, he would just listen to his explanation.

Gilsymbato was still laughing, yet Kris continued serious nevertheless.

“I know Mr. Woltzer said we can’t form teams, but I’ve already made up my mind. This isn’t a joke Gilsymbato, team up with me.”

Kris stared into Gilsymbato’s demonic red eyes without a hint of fear. However, Gilsymbato wouldn’t stop laughing.

“What makes you think my greatness would team up with the likes of you?”

“We both, as a team, would be unstoppable.”

“Fufu, I already am unstoppable.”

“You are strong, there is no denying this, but within this game, being alone is a tremendous disadvantage. This Devil Cult guy clearly favors teams and the advantages they hold will probably only increase in time. So instead of fighting a downhill battle, you should just team up with me, one of the few students who wouldn’t hold you back.”

“So you think you can keep up with me?”

A shiver ran down Alvis’ spine as Gilsymbato’s pressure made it feel like gravity increased. However, instead of giving in, Kris’ eyes stayed indifferent.

“Yes.”

Alvis held his breath, and even Gilsymbato’s eyes widened upon hearing Kris’ answer.

I might have underestimated him.

“Fuhahaha, most interesting, boy!” Gilsymbato’s laughter rang out, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of intrigue. For a brief moment, it seemed as if he considered Kris’ offer, not out of need, but out of sheer curiosity about this boy’s audacity. However, the next second, his laughter vanished and his demonic side took over. “So saying we would team up, what would you do if I felt like murdering every single one within this barrier?”

Once again, a shiver ran down Alvis’ spine as he realized this wasn’t an empty threat.

“I would stop you,” Kris answered, his unyielding eyes matching Gilsymbato’s intensity.

“Fuhahahaha, you can’t tame the uncontrollable, boy,” Gilsymbato said, clearly amused. “Besides,” he stared into his eyes, no into his very soul, “even if you don’t say it, the second you approached me, I already knew your true intentions.”

For the first time, Kris’ poker face cracked as he raised his eyebrows in confusion. Seeing that, Gilsymbato laughed all the more.

“You’ve entertained me quite a bit, so I’m feeling generous enough to give you one piece of advice.”

Kris said nothing, awaiting Gilsymbato’s words.

“This good-hearted nature of yours will be your demise.”

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Kris’ face tensed up, yet he said nothing. Gilsymbato turned around and went away.

Puh, what did I just witne—

Gilsymbato turned around once more and before Alvis could even fathom what happened, a mighty flap of his black wings was all it took for Gilsymbato to arrive just before Alvis.

“Wha—”

Alvis immediately channeled his mana, raising his fists for a fight.

“You thought I wouldn’t notice you?”

“I hoped so.”

“Fuhahaha, nothing escapes my greatness.”

Without saying more, Gilsymbato went away and Alvis could finally exhale.

“Just how incredible is this guy?”

Alvis wasn’t an amateur in hiding his presence, yet even his skills accumulated through several loops weren’t enough for the demon named Gilsymbato.

“Alvis? — What are you doing here?”

Now exposed, even Kris noticed him. His poker face vanished, replaced by an expression of surprise.

“Have you heard everything?”

Somewhat hurriedly, he followed up with another question, his lips trembling albeit just slightly.

“Yes,” Alvis answered, not intending to lie to him.

Upon hearing his answer, Kris’ eyes darkened as he lowered his gaze, but Alvis just continued.

“However, I don’t think it is like it seems.”

Kris looked up again, scratching his chin as a tired smile crossed his face.

“You are right, haha. I tried acting tough, but Gilsymbato saw right through me.”

“What were your true intentions?”

He didn’t answer right away, but after a few seconds, he gave in.

“I wanted to form a team with him so I could control him. Wait, maybe I phrased it wrong, let me explain. If we leave Gilsymbato as he is now, he is a ticking time bomb. He could wake up one day feeling like killing everyone and no one could stop him if he went all out.”

“It sounds ridiculous, but I agree. Even teachers would barely stand a chance against him. However, what difference would it make if he were on your team? He had asked you the same question. Do you really think you could stop him from running havoc?”

“It’s more a matter of preventing it from happening than stopping it whilst it’s happening.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I’m aware of my popularity within this school. So if Gilsymbato were to form a team with me, he wouldn’t be a target. The likelihood of someone provoking him would decrease, which also would decrease the likelihood of him going on a rampage.”

“That’s it?”

“No, there is another reason. If Gilsymbato were to form a team with the wrong people, it would be over. We aren’t the only ones who know about his ridiculous strength.”

“I don’t think Gilsymbato would do that.”

“You can’t be certain. He does what he feels like doing, so if he feels like joining a team, he will.”

“I guess now it makes sense for you to approach him like that.”

“Yeah, but in the end, it didn’t work out.”

“To be honest, there was no way he would agree.”

“Hard words, but I guess you are right.”

“However, I can guarantee you that he won’t team up with anyone.”

Alvis remembered the time he had tried to get Gilsymbato on his side but failed. It was with that interaction he understood Gilsymbato’s nature a bit more. Even though he did what he felt like doing, there were certain things he would never do. One would be something that would limit his freedom. He was the personification of independence.

“But this should be our least concern. If he were to decide to participate in this game, it would be a disaster.”

“I guess the only thing we can do is pray now,” Kris said.

Alvis just chuckled. They chatted a bit more before moving on to another topic.

“We gotta hurry before we miss the curfew.”

“Ah, didn’t even ask you where you would sleep today?”

“I let some first-years stay at my dorm, so I’ll sleep in the classroom today. But I think it’s better this way because I can give the people who have to sleep in the classroom a feeling of support and camaraderie, which is very important in times like these.”

Alvis couldn’t help but marvel at his character.

“You really are a kind guy.”

In some ways, he reminded him of Lia. However, it was this similarity that made his heart itch and his mouth move automatically.

“You have to be careful,” Alvis said, his face serious. “Gilsymbato said it too. Your good-hearted nature could backfire really quickly, especially in this game which was designed for betrayal and backstabbing.”

Kris didn’t answer as he just stared into the sky.

“I know. I know you’re right, but this is just who I am.” Kris looked at Alvis again with a genuine smile. “I will always help others.”

Alvis could only sigh, his answer reminding him too much of a certain girl he liked.

“How come you are so kind?”

“Hm, I wonder why? Maybe because of my upbringing? — No,” he said with an innocent smile, “I guess I was just born this way.”

Alvis’ eyes widened, yet upon hearing this answer, all he could do was smile, too. Kris didn’t have ulterior motives or a debt to repay. He was just kind. He didn’t need a reason for it.

If Alvis would’ve heard his reasoning before he got the system and the time loops started, he wouldn’t have believed him. However, now, after experiencing life and meeting people like Lia, he knew that genuine, good-hearted people truly existed.

His respect for Kris just increased.

“Let’s get going. We are late.”

“Ah shit, you’re right.”

Thus, the two of them went to the classroom.