Apparently, the headmaster and these 3 teachers were already talking about us. Even before I got there, the voices of their growl penetrated the supposed soundproof wall. When we got in, they didn't seem too happy about it. Then they continued reviewing the situation based on their own point of view. The headmaster was more listening than talking, while looking at his tabs on his table. It was the footage of the incident itself. I thought that we were there just to hear them talking, but something unexpected happened.
Those words were out of the world. The words that came out from the man with a thick mustache, I called him Mustachio. A man with a dark green suit, a stern look in his 40s. I could tell from the wrinkles and some mix of grey in his green hair. Also, his left hand was prosthetics masked in leather gloves. It was subtle, but his movement reminded me of Frankie’s. So, this guy pressured a poor student. Me, to be expelled immediately. Why?
Another man stepped up and started his blabber.
”True, Headmaster Gabe. He did something out of his clearance. Using the academy’s property recklessly, such action like that is unforgivable!” Now the guy with the glasses and balding hair was adding fuel to the fire. He’s in a lab coat, with a purple shirt, gold buttoned and black trouser. I honestly thought that was out of fashion. But who am I to judge? Another note on this guy was he got some scales or snake skin on the side and back of his neck. Most of his skin was probably like that, I could see the back of his hands were scaly too.
”Now, now. Aren’t you a bit too harsh? The boy's actions might actually be justifiable. Whatever he did, resulting in zero casualties in this incident.” Mr. Ivanov stood on the opposite side of the room, giving me positive reviews.
”What? Do you even know what you’re talking about?” The glasses balding questioned. “The Spiral Hornbull was probably just looking for food. Exactly, the 4 eared grass rabbit that he took as bait.” He then took a few steps closer to me and opened his hand to point his argument further. “If he let that bunny stay at the pen and got eaten, the bull would stay there for a while. Then, the security team could just take it down safely.” He added angrily.
As he said those words, I couldn’t help but to notice the changes in Sarah’s facial expression. She probably felt extreme guilt in her heart. She would overthink and blame every worst possibility that could happen. But it didn’t. Everything turned out okay. So, I hoped that we could move on. Looking at those wiggly movements of that snake lip’s talking was infuriating. I would really love to retort on his statements. A dozen ideas to defend our actions were there, just sitting neatly behind my throat. but cutting in his conversation would probably be rude and make the situation far unfavorable for us.
”Yeah, sure. I know that you're an expert in biology. You knew the bull’s behaviour so well. Why did you order them as research subjects to begin with?” Muscle guy Ivanov was actually smart! I thanked him for standing up for us. “Besides, nothing bad happened. I think the boy did the right thing. As a combat instructor, instinct is—”
”His instinct may get more people injured!” Mustachio interrupted. “Or killed even worse. He was just lucky. We can’t tolerate such behaviour to occur next time.” The situation leveled back. “Yes, lucky. Yet—” They continued on their debate for a while. Voices so loud, people could hear them outside the room. Cutting each other's sentences with arguments and rebuttals. I felt the pressure building up. The headmaster was full and tired of this scene.
”Enough, all of you!” The headmaster’s voice was clear, at the right volume and intonation. The weight of his charisma put all conversation to a stop. “We haven’t heard the other side of the story yet.” With both of his eyes, he scanned the 3 students in the room briefly. “Let them speak.” He gestured an open hand to let us share our mind. The other two opposition were grumpier while Ivanov grinned wider as we started to speak. We were looking at each other. A few seconds of pause felt so suffocating. I took a deep breath, gave a light not to Kevin and decided to give it a go.
We explained the reason why we got to save the bunny, our plan, my plan and how it all ended. I excluded the fact that I saw the black haired girl entering a restricted area to avoid further complications. I just hoped this matter could be solved peacefully. Without me getting expelled for a stupid reason. But mustachio and glasses balding was singing to their angry tune. Aggressively kept finding weakness in our defense.
I could deduce the situation in a nutshell from the two gentlemen here. They were in league and being stubborn about my expulsion for some reason. I guessed that it was all simply about finding a scapegoat. The integrity of the second academy is in jeopardy. It’s unacceptable that they let such an incident happen. Thus, requires some explanation to the media and the people within the city. The perfect black sheep was none other than me, since they even have footage of me dealing with the bull in my own way. After that, they could just add this spice and that seasoning onto the story. A perfect idea for them, but just plain stupid in my eyes. Thankfully they kept Kevin and Sarah out of the plate, expelling more people will put more harm than good for their reputation. So they refrain from adding too much salt into the already burnt dish. That might make the situation more suspicious and dangerous.
The glasses guy responsible for ordering the bull in the first place will get most of the blame. While Mustachio oversaw the security of the delivery and logistics. These two would get the most trouble when the incident rises into the public ear. The academy foundation boards will definitely demand some answers. So they made the conspiracy. The scenario that was quite well written. People might believe that, but the academy would still take the most of the blame. Thus, the institution would lose reputation and value that they were trying so hard to maintain. My existence as the culprit in this case wasn't convincing enough. It was impossible to lead all the guilt into a single person, let alone just one freshman student. I’ve read that a crisis situation may cause people to lose logical reason, even lowering their IQ. But not this bad!
I kept thinking of a way to convince them, changing their mind to come up with a better idea. However, they dismissed those efforts easily, like a dandelion in the wind. I thought this would be the end. Getting me expelled would ruin my plan on getting a peaceful life at the company. The more we argued, the smaller I became. I was less of a dandelion. More like a speck of dust drifting at the mercy of a grim dark storm.
”So, then. As I said before, the damage towards the academy reputation could be minimized if we do this plan....” Mustachio’s proposal sounded more plausible. The headmaster slightly nodded, while Mr. Ivanov slowly lost his ground within the heated debate. That wasn’t a wonderful sign.
As I was about to succumb toward their scheme, the door behind us released a hissing sound. I could hear someone coming with their light tapping steps. Great, more people came to drag me deeper into this mess.
”That wouldn’t be necessary.” A guy, a student like me, with a military program badge had entered the arena. He looked familiar. Ah! The lowkey joke student at the podium, Heran! Or Gerran? I kind of forgot.
Wait, what wouldn’t be necessary? Me?
A few seconds passed as he walked into the room nonchalantly. Everyone in the room was just staring at him in disbelief until someone finally snapped.
”Now, who the hell are you!? Who would let you in here?” The glasses balding asked the most urgent question.
”That would be me, Mr. Yaster. He’s with me.” We heard a female voice right behind the door. I see, so he’s Mr. Yaster? The teacher with the glasses' name was finally revealed. Somehow they kept on debating without calling each other names. “I’m sorry for barging in Headmaster Gabe.” A woman with pale pink hair and calm expression entered the room. That black formal office dress was quite a mesmerizing contrast with her light skin.
”Miss Macy, What’s the meaning of this?” Mustachio continued his colleague’s aim to press. Ah, miss Macy? If I’m not mistaken, she was the one who pulled away the glasses falling in the auditorium? She is probably an expert telekinetic user.
As the lady was about to say something, Erran with a smug face held his hand towards her. As if saying “I’ll handle this”. Miss Macy just nodded and stepped back.
”I’m sorry, Mr. Zibrani. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
The mustachio’s name was revealed. The guy with the green suit is Mr. Zibrani, huh? He was about to say a few retorts but hesitated and paused. A spark in his eyes showed that he realized something.
”Ah wait, you’re the student representation who gave the speech.”
”Yes I did. Now, please let me introduce myself.” He said it with his hand on his chest. It felt like he was trying to show some polite, noble gesture. Somehow, I got annoyed by it.
”My name is Erran Volk Ozbrojeny. Just another fresh student of the academy.”
Ah it’s Erran. Sorry for getting your name wrong. The room stayed silent in an awkward pause, and the rest of the people in the room seemed to be remembering something.
A moment later Mr. Zibrani and Mr. Yester shared a look of astonishment.
“Wait, Ozbrojeny? The Oz-?”
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
”Yes, Mr. Zibrani. The only one and only. I’m the third son of the Ozbrojeny family.” He confidently said.
At that time, I didn't really know the significance of that name. Not until Sarah and Kevin were having their eyes opened in awe. Well, I might have heard the name somewhere. Was he that important? Kevin realized my puzzled face, gave me a quick whisper.
”You didn’t know?” He asked me. I just gave more puzzling look, like an idiot. “He’s son of Yupiter V. Ozbrojeny, one of the five family that holds the biggest shareholders of Vojensky Corp.” This startled me a little. “Yeah, so?” I acted cold, pretending to care less to none.
“You dummy. That’s one out of five board directors of the company. He’s the son of a bigshot!” He added. “I see.” I replied.
”Wait! Why didn't we know about this?” Mr. Yaster asked the headmaster. Headmaster shook his head. He just sighed and let the man beside him do the talking.
”You two missed the pre-academic meeting a few weeks ago.” Mr. Ivanov told them as he shook his sparkling head.
”I knew it was boring, almost half of the staff were missing since it was not mandatory. But this is exactly why the meeting was important.” He complained. Hmm? Is he that important? But he was never introduced with his full name. So, it’s natural that people didn’t know about him. Why then?
”I-I was researching my new plants and animal mutation.” Mr. Yaster said while stroking his chin, thinking.
”Right, I also missed it. I went into the field to test a newly developed weapon at the time.” Then Mr Zibrani followed with his excuse as he rubs his green hair.
“It’s fine.” Erran Cut in the conversation. “Besides, I asked that you keep my last name as a secret, Mr Ivanov. I don’t want to make this a big deal.”
“True.” The headmaster Gabe agreed.
”Anyway, let’s get back on the topic at hand. Well, Mister Erran Volk Ozbrojeny. You said something interesting. Can you please explain that to all of us?” The headmaster seemed tired of the endless debate.
”Just Erran would be fine, Mr. Gabe.” He subtly bowed. “Thank you, I will.” He raised his head, proceeding to place himself in the middle of the room.
”Wait, headmaster! I know he’s the son of an important figure, but are you really going to listen to this kid? He’s just-”
”Enough, Mr. Yaster.” Headmaster Gabe interrupted, giving a sharp eye into the disruption.“Please Erran, Continue.”
”Yes. So here how we should proceed with this. We could turn this unfortunate event into our advantage.” calmly and confidently, Erran started to elaborate his plan. Talking about the profit, the impact on the people, and the academy in general. Appealed on how the boards of the foundation would love to hear. He brought his tabs, showing us how to handle the publication video. A brief and clear presentation. He ended the pitch with an ear to ear smile. “That’s what a company would do after all.” He finalized.
Mr. Zibrani was deep in his thoughts and wondering. “Impossible, is there such a way?”
”There is one, Mr. Zibrani. And we already have our center piece of our attraction right here.” Erran then pointed at me with an open hand.” Armen G Dalton, the hero of our academy!”.
”What?” That last line surprised, confusing me and everyone in the room. Except the headmaster Gabe, he finally showed some emotion, a little smirk which was barely noticeable.
* * *
The gymnasium of the academy was a sight to behold. It was twice as large as the auditorium. The decorations and effects however were limited to simple lighting and holographic glass floor. And at the moment, the entire area was not just filled with us the first year. I could see the second year, some third year intern, most of the academy staff and the one that freaked me the most, the media. They brought cameras to take a live feed and pictures with those flashes blinding my eyes. The reason why I could see them was because I stood there at the podium. Kevin and Sarah were also there, but a lot to the back of the stage. They already got their own moments before me. Then, the main spotlight was directed at me, it was blinding, frying hot. The damn ray added more stress into my mind. An exhausted mind which was barely keeping up with the series of events unfolding ahead of me.
”And now I present you, the hero Armen G Dalton!” Mr Ivanov announced that with such hype, the crowds stood excitedly, followed by their cheer. The hall roared with a deafening rally “Due to his courageous actions against such predicament, the academy is saved!”
I could only fake my smile as I stood with a pair of shaking legs.
”To honor such dedication, he shall receive a medal. Given directly by our headmaster Gabe.” Mr Ivanov seemed to enjoy this.
Thus, Mr. Gabe walked close to me and decorated my neck with a sword emblem medal plated in gold. “Congratulations.” I would love to shake my head, but my neck was stiff as a log. He shook my hand. Then he moved to the side to give the press a good pose. “Smile mister Armen.” He whispered with his straight face. I gave my best ear to ear smile as sincerely as possible.
”Also, we have one more thing to appreciate this talented young man. The brave teenager who fought the beast by himself. Using his wits, strength, and amazing skill of telekinetic ability. He has proven that he is worthy.” The loud cheer was slowly fading away as people were paying attention to the next words Mr. Ivanov would say.
”The academy has one more thing to do.”
Uh-oh. I don't like where this is going.
”We hereby, promote our talented student Armen G Dalton into the Vojensky 2nd Academy Military Program! Give my man a round of applause!” The entire building was loud in their cheer. People clapped hands till their palms bleed. The media became more aggressive with their cameras to take every millisecond of my forced smiley face. If I could survive the heart attack from the shocking news, the flashes would at least get my eyes blind. How did things end up like this? Do I have a choice?
Nope. It was between getting expelled or becoming a “hero”, their pawn for the academy propaganda. They forced me to be part of the plan. Their scheme was such an elaborate one. With Erran’s advice, they gathered the students back quickly to re-do the entrance ceremony, plus inviting the media that already flocked in the front gate. Made the press conference with the new exciting narrative. Me as the centerpiece became the key focus. Instead of the sloppy security of the 2nd academy which was the very reason that caused such an incident. How clever! As expected from the mind of a rich boy. I couldn’t even comprehend. Plus, having a backup of the Ozbrojeny family brought some weight into their consideration. There was no better strategy. They agreed with the plan. Making Armen G Dalton shine in the spotlight.
Being famous might sound cool. But I didn’t want that. I wouldn’t have time to relax. People would call or greet me every time we met. Some might come every lunch break to ask me about the heroic deeds. Heck, the media might even try to come to my apartment. But that wasn’t all. They also forced me to switch programs. Since I would be their mascot as the new face of the academy, it would only make sense if they promote me into the military program. Therefore, I could make use the most of my ability and at the same time played the role of the hero. They will also have it easier to keep me under their watch. Who knows they might want to send me into the front line. Getting me killed on duty, branding me as a martyr to further their advertisement. They wanted me to become the very inspiration of the new generation kids. I have become the very thing I despise the most, a propaganda machine!
Anyway, I couldn’t tell how long I was supposed to stand there, grinning like an idiot. I might smile at the moment, but inside, I was screaming hard. My back was wet with cold sweat. The painkillers shouldn’t wear off yet, but it did. And my whole joints were aching, breaking apart. I just wanted to go home and crash into my bed, then sleep for good. Such unfortunate me, that would not be possible soon. They ruined my entire plan. But I was sure that someone was probably responsible for this mess. I would find out who and demand a huge compensation for this. Just you wait!
Thus the entrance ceremony turned into an award ceremony and ended peacefully without any problems. The sound of the applause started to become more and more fuzzy inside my head. They were a blurry mess. Lights and shadows mixed together in a confusing painting. It was bad and I couldn’t think of anything worse until I noticed someone. That jet black-haired girl was standing there in the front row. With that stupid chilly look, she was looking at me, clapping her hand with zero emotion. Shivers sent through my spine like a lightning stroke on a sunny day. I glanced into her hollow red eyes and she didn’t seem to mind staring back. The mystery overcrowd my brain capacity. Once again she appeared in front of me. For real now. Just who the heck are you?