The room fell into a heavy silence; the only sound breaking the stillness was the ticking clock hanging in the corner above the classroom entrance, its rhythmic ticks echoing in Arkens's ears. He slowly got off the desk he had been comfortably sitting on, moving backward with a look of astonishment mixed with anxiety and puzzlement. The weight of Mr. Damatsu's words hung in the air, and Arkens struggled to process the request being placed upon him.

"Y-You.. understand what you are saying right now?!..".

Arkens clenched his fist, feeling the tension build within him as he directed his gaze toward the ground. Mr. Damatsu's request weighed heavily on his mind, and he tried to ground himself in the moment.

"You're asking me, someone you just met, to help protect another person I don't know?!".

Mr. Damatsu remained bowed, respecting Arkens's moment of contemplation. He understood the gravity of the situation and allowed the silence to stretch, giving Arkens the space to process his thoughts and feelings.

"I-I don't even know how to use the power you say I awakened! How can I possibly fathom the idea of helping you? Not to mention risking myself in a situation I'm still a stranger to!"

Mr. Damatsu raised his body to meet Arkens's gaze, observing the boy in disarray. His concern softened slightly as he recognized the turmoil within Arkens.

"I would never request a complete novice to risk their livelihood to help against something they're oblivious to.. But I'm saddened to admit I'm desperate. I don't know your potential, yet I'm gambling it all on you".

Mr. Damatsu continued to speak, his tone calm and measured.

"It's dangerous, even if you agree to this. You could die. It's very possible, and I won't lie about that. The person I'm asking you to help isn't me, but a girl named Target. She's been a coveted prize for those who desire dreams beyond human greed. She's a walking disaster, a catastrophe, a ticking time bomb wherever she goes".

Arkens's eyes widened as he grasped the situation more clearly than before. He lifted his head, staring at Mr. Damatsu with a fiery intensity, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth set in a frown. The weight of the reality sank in, and anger surged within him.

"What is she?! It sounds like you're bringing someone to a place full of innocent people and jeopardizing their lives! If how you're describing her is sound, then why here?!".

Mr. Damatsu answered quickly, his voice firm but understanding.

"From the connections and information gathered to search for a suitable location for her to live, your town was the best choice. It was desolate, far from big cities, and small, with a population of less than ten thousand people. I wasn't exactly involved with those decisions.. I'm sorry".

Arkens smacked his teeth in frustration, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily on his shoulders.

"Don't give me a damn sorry! If what your telling me is true, then what can be done?! A sorry isn't going to keep the people safe or fix anything! My family!- My mom, my little sister, my friends!".

Mr. Damatsu felt a bit of a sting on the upper left section of his chest.

"We can change that".

The big man entirely propped himself up, the shift in his posture signaling the moment's gravity. What had started as a simple discussion had transformed into a matter of life and death for everyone involved.

"Ebihara, you may have a choice whether you want to involve yourself and risk your life for someone you don't know. You now understand that it was us who brought a dangerous being that threatens the lives of everyone here, including your own family and friends. However, let me ask you this: Are you going to blame me and those at fault, waiting for your impending death? Or will you take the chance to fight for your life?".

He moved his only functional arm and clasped his disabled arm, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. The physical reminder of his limitations contrasted sharply with the urgency of his words.

"As much as I want to apologize for my weakness and the decisions by those who have no right to, there's a slight glimmer of hope in front of me. I can train you to become the best".

The top of Arkens's face was cloaked in shadows, amplifying the gravity of the situation. Questions swirled in his mind like a storm: How had it come to this, now of all times? Why was a blubbering idiot like him forced to make such a monumental decision? A stranger's life rested in his hands, and the lives of those close to him hung in the balance; even the lives of strangers became his responsibility. The weight of it all felt suffocating, pressing down on him as he grappled with the reality of the choices he had to make. Each heartbeat resonated with the realization that he could no longer stand idly by.

"If I had to choose?! Of course, I would want to fight for a chance to survive! I've got no choice too!".

The memories of his family and friends swirled through Arkens's mind like a vivid montage. Times when they smiled, laughed, and cried replayed in his head, each moment bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia. He could see their faces, hear their laughter, and feel the bonds they shared. The most cherished memories emerged, reminding him of the love and support that surrounded him. Each memory was a lifeline, grounding him in the reality of what he stood to protect. The thought of losing any of them ignited a fierce determination, pushing him to confront the daunting path ahead.

"What's even more frustrating is that I have to protect a random girl I don't even know! I bet she didn't choose this life either!".

This stunned Mr. Damatsu; his mouth sealed tight, eyebrows raised, as he processed Arkens's outburst. It seemed like Arkens resented her entirely, yet deep down, there was an underlying concern for her well-being. No one would argue if he felt that way, but the fact that he was even considering her safety was significant.

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When Arkens locked eyes with Mr. Damatsu, a wave of genuine emotion washed over the teacher with intensity and raw, unconditional care he had never encountered before. The force of Arkens's gaze was unsettling, piercing through the usual bravado Mr. Damatsu carried. For a brief moment, he felt a shiver run down his spine, realizing the weight of Arkens's feelings.

"Alright! I'll fucking help you!".

He ran forward to the shaken Mr. Damatsu, who could now feel the angered boy grabbing his shirt collar and pulling it upward.

"I'll help on one condition! You better make me the strongest in the world; otherwise, we're all going to die; promise me this, Mr. Damatsu, or I'll haunt you even after death!".

Mr. Damatsu looked at him, recognizing the transformation in the teenager standing before him. The Arkens he had met just a few minutes ago was a far cry from the determined young man who now gripped his collar with unwavering resolve. It was as if Arkens had shed his previous hesitations and insecurities, revealing a fiercer side driven by necessity.

"You have my word. I'll make you strong enough to protect everyone. I promise".

Arkens let go of Mr. Damatsu and turned, slipping his hands into his pockets as he opened the classroom door and left without saying a word. Mr. Damatsu followed, his gaze fixed on Arkens as he walked down the hall toward a flight of stairs. Concern gnawed at him, especially regarding Arkens's mental state. The weight of such a burden protecting the fate of ten thousand people was immense, and he worried about how it would affect the young man. Would Arkens handle the pressure, or would it crush him under its weight? The thought lingered in his mind as he watched Arkens disappear from view.

Lunch had come to a resounding end, and students began to travel again, hurriedly moving to their following classes. Watsu caught a glimpse of Arkens in the bustling hallway and paused, waiting for him to catch up.

"Yo! Ar-".

Arkens was moving in the opposite direction of Watsu, so when they got near one another, Arkens passed him without a word. Watsu furrowed his brow, finding this behavior strange. He twisted his face to gaze at his best friend, who seemed to ignore his presence intentionally.

"What's up with you, man..".

He uttered quietly to himself, his face soft, riddled with unease.

Watsu wasn't the only one left in total darkness. Arkens, seemingly lost in a perpetual state of deep thought, was heading in the opposite direction of someone of great importance. A girl with curly, light brown hair and big, orange cantaloupe-colored eyes noticed him as he approached. She was busy chatting with male students, her laughter ringing in the crowded hallway.

As Arkens drew closer, her gaze shifted toward him, excitedness flickering.

"A-Aaa-h, uhm, I see someone I know; give me a moment, please.. Arkens!~".

Watching this unfold from a distance was a short girl with purple hair dressed in a goth-like style. Her eyes widened in surprise at Arkens's apparent indifference.

"Hmm..".

Qiyo walked over to Nya, who had turned around, raising both hands and gripping them tightly to her chest. Qiyo could see her friend biting the corner of her bottom lip, her expression tense. Without a word, she placed a hand on Nya's shoulder, her presence quiet but comforting as they stared after Arkens, who continued down the hallway, lost in his world.

"Nya. Don't worry.. I can tell that you are afraid. Looking at his face, there must be something deep going on in his mind right now. And whatever it is, he'll tell us soon".

Nya's face, now fully visible, mirrored her concern, but there was something more profound and unmistakable pain. Her eyes turned glossy, the hint of tears threatening to fall. Before she could crumble, Qiyo wrapped her arms around her, pulling Nya into a gentle embrace. She cradled her head softly, allowing her friend to rest on her shoulder as Nya's emotions welled up in silence.

"Qiyo... Why is it every time he's in trouble, he doesn't tell us?.. Why must everything be done alone?!- Why does he not see we're here.. That I'm here..".

Silent hiccups escaped from Nya as warm tears soaked into Qiyo's sweater. The boys from before, concerned, moved to check on her, but as they approached, they were met with a startling sight. Qiyo's face had transformed, her usual warmth replaced by a cold, gruff expression. Her eyes, once vibrant, had dulled, and her gaze locked onto theirs with a chilling intensity. The boys froze in place, taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor.

"Can't ya see, we're busy here? Or are your sexual urges infesting your brain, rotting it to the point ya can't understand simplistic social cues? Get the fuck outta my face".

The boys, clearly frustrated by the unwelcoming response, changed their tune. They smacked their teeth in annoyance, turning away and walking off, snickering to themselves. As they left, their frustration bubbled over into petty insults aimed at Qiyo, a weak attempt to soothe their bruised egos after rejection. Their voices faded into the background as Qiyo remained steadfast, focusing on comforting Nya and ignoring their childish remarks.

Time moved forward, and now darkness had wholly settled. School had ended hours ago, and Arkens sat at the dinner table with his mom and little sister, eating in silence. The quietness was unnerving, the kind of silence that carried a terrible omen, making Mrs. Ebihara uneasy. She sighed softly to herself, glancing at both of her children. Arkens stared blankly at his food while Hama quietly picked at her plate. The weight of the unspoken tension hung heavily in the air, unsettling her even more.

"Things are awkwardly strained here.. between you two. What's going on here, kids?".

There was no response from either of them as they ate their food. She couldn't bear this; it is evident that an argument had transpired between the two. Crossing her arms and legs, she closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them, now with an intense look in her eyes.

"No one leaves this table until whatever beef you have going on is settled right now".

Hama almost choked on the water she was drinking, hastily gulping down the remaining liquid in her throat before slamming the glass cup back onto the dinner table.

"T-That is absurd!".

Arkens crossed his arms, mimicking his mother's posture, and sank slightly into his seat.

"I for one second that idea".

Hama angrily glanced in Arkens's direction, her eyes narrowing as frustration built up.

"And I, for one, don't! Being forced to speak up about my feelings isn't something I can do so easily!".

Mrs. Ebihara nodded, her eyes shifting between her two children.

"I guess that's a teenage girl for you.. It's not easy and never will be, but I feel like this can be solved with a few words exchanged. I can't take that deafening silence any longer! Usually, you guys talk to one another. I enjoy that part of dinner".

Arkens did not comment on his mother's words. Instead, he shifted his focus and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

"I apologize, Hama. I'm sorry for being so mean to you, even though you were just worried about me. As an older brother, I'm sorry for being rude and not understanding from the start".

Hama shook her head, her face growing warm as sweat rolled down her cheek. The sudden apology made her feel nervous and embarrassed, and she was unsure how to respond. Her eyes darted away from Arkens, trying to mask her discomfort.

"Just forget about it! Jeez, it wasn't that serious; I heard you loud and clear that you're sorry! I forgave you already, but I-I was t-too stubborn.. to say anything..".

Hama's face turned slightly red as she nervously played with her fingers under the table, fidgeting to hide her embarrassment. She glanced away, unsure how to respond to Arkens's unexpected apology.

"Are we done now?..".

Mrs. Ebihara scratched her head, feeling guilty for unintentionally putting her daughter on the spot. The situation had taken a surprising turn. Hama, clearly overwhelmed, bolted towards her room without a word. Arkens, caught off guard by his sister's sudden reaction, followed suit in his usual hurried fashion. In unison, the Ebihara family called it a night.