Reiki was in the middle of chewing as he tidied the five lunch boxes and placed them one by one into his tattered pouch, he thought. I need to bring a drink next time, tap water is safe to drink over here but I’m too used to drinking bottled water. He placed the last lunch box inside the pouch, took out a book, and placed it beside two other books. Reiki pocketed his pouch while Ender’s voice rang in his head, Ender said. [Eight people are making their way here.] Reiki stood up from his seat and made his way to one of the shelves.

He thought. How’s their mana? Reiki took the thickest book on the shelves while Ender said. [Terrible, it would be easier to give up being a mage.] The door opened revealing a male teenager wearing his school uniform in a loose style as both his hands were inside his pockets while he looked around the room. He said. “Teiko, this place is a dump.” Seven students around Reiki’s age made their way in their room as six of them avoided making eye contact while Teiko pointed at Reiki standing by the shelves.

Teiko said. “You’re going to make you regret coming to school today!” He elbowed his friend closest to him and said. “Lock the door.” Hamada had reluctance all over his face, he said. “Teiko, I think-.” He instantly stopped talking seeing Teiko glare at him and quickly closed the door and locked it from the inside. Teiko quickly put a smile on his face as he stood beside his older brother, he said. “Big bro, he's the one I told you about.” The two of them made their way to Reiki while the older brother thought. If I’m lucky, this kid might have enough pocket money so I can buy a pack of cigarettes.

Teiko had a hint of derangement on his face and said. “Big bro, you said that-.” His older brother gave him a cold side-eye glare as he spoke in a cold tone, he said. “Shut it, and I keep telling you to stop calling me big bro in public.” Teiko clenched his fists and moved his gaze onto the floor, he said. “... Yes…” The seven students had a bit of confusion on their faces while the older brother said. “Yes, what?” Reiki spoke through gritted teeth and said. “... Yes, Kaito-san…”

Kaito had a cold smile on his face as he placed a hand on top of Reiki’s head and ruffled his unkempt and scraggly hair. Kaito said. “If you don’t want me telling the principal what you did. Then I suggest giving me all the money you have right now.” For a split second, he saw Reiki’s hollow and dead eyes which made him reflexively move his hand away from his head. Kaito thought. What’s with those eyes? Reiki gave him a normal smile that sent a chill down Kaito’s spine as he took one step back.

Teiko was still staring at the floor as he saw his older brother take a step back, he looked up at him and said. “... Kaito-san?...” Reiki walked toward Kaito and said. “The principal doesn’t care.” Kaito was surprised by what he heard and said. “What do you-.” Before he could finish his sentence Reiki used the corner of the book to hit Kaito’s chin.

[System: User has dealt 10 Damage.]

Kaito’s legs visibly wobbled as he lost balance and started to fall to his knees, he thought. I can’t muster any strength in my legs. A loud thud reverted through the room as Reiki used his left hand to grab a handful of Kaito’s hair. Reiki said. “Which eye do you want to lose? Left or right?” Kaito grabbed Reiki’s hand that was grabbing a handful of hair with both hands as he tried to force him to let go of his hair.

[System: User has received 27 Damage.]

Kaito glared at him and said. “Kid, I’ll make sure that your body ends up in a trash can.” Reiki raised the book he held with his right hand above his head and said. “Left eye it is then.” He slammed the corner of the corner of the book on Kaito’s head.

[System: User has dealt 13 Damage.]

Reiki kept repeatedly slamming the edge of the book on Kaito’s head as the other students watched in horror while some blood got onto Teiko’s face.

[System: User has dealt 12 Damage.]

[System: User has dealt 15 Damage.]

[System: User has dealt 9 Damage.]

……

Kaito’s vision was getting dark as he saw faint double images of everything while Teiko used his hand to wipe the blood on his face and saw red liquid on his fingers. Reiki slammed the front of the book onto Kaito’s face.

[System: User has dealt 5 Damage.]

Reiki moved his gaze onto Teiko and said. “Start running, after I’m done with him you’re next.” Before Teiko could say anything Reiki slammed the corner of the book into one of Kaito’s eyes.

[System: User has dealt 22 Damage.]

A small burst of blood came from the eye as Reiki jammed and twisted the corner of the book deeper into Kaito’s eye as he woke up from the pain and violently pushed him away.

[System: User has dealt 19 Damage.]

Reiki managed to adjust his footing to avoid falling to the ground as he let go of the locks of hair in his left hand that bits of scalp. Kaito closed his ruined eye as blood kept pouring from the corners, he moved his gaze onto Reiki as he saw hair on the ground next to his feet. Kaito forced his legs to move as he quickly stood up and said. “You little shit-!” Before he could get another word out Reiki ran toward him and dropped kick him in the knees.

[System: User has dealt 18 Damage.]

The sound of something popping reverted to the room as Reiki landed on the ground with a soft thud while Kaito fell onto the ground flat on his back. Kaito gritted his teeth as he grabbed his dislocated knee while shouting in pain while Reiki stood up and dusted some dust on his back. Reiki said. “I’m surprised you guys are still here.” Teiko had disbelief all over his face as he watched his older brother lying on the floor groaning in pain while his friends had pale faces as they couldn’t move their eyes away.

Kaito spoke through gritted teeth and said. “I’ve seen your face-!” Reiki slammed the front of the book at Kaito’s face which knocked him out.

[System: User has dealt 14 Damage.]

The back of Kaito’s head hit the floor while Tanaka spoke in a whisper and said. “He’s not dead, is he?” Reiki let go of the book as it dropped onto the floor, he grabbed Kaito by the ankle and dragged him near one of the windows. Kaito’s dislocated knee was bending at an unnatural angle as Reiki was almost near the window, he thought. I wonder how far I can throw him. Reiki tightened his grip on Kaito’s ankle and in one swift motion threw him at the window, shattering it.

[System: User has dealt 35 Damage.]

A soft thud came from the outside as Reiki made his way to the book with a bloody corner lying on the floor while a small puddle formed by the edge. Reiki squatted down and picked up the book, he made his way to Teiko who was trying to hide the fear on his face. For a brief moment, Teiko saw Reiki’s hollow and dead eyes which was a sharp contrast from his friendly tone. Reiki said. “Teiko, next time bring your father. I’ll cripple him from the waist down.” Reiki didn’t wait for him to say anything and slammed the front of the book at Teiko’s face.

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[System: User has dealt 17 Damage.]

Teiko fell on his back while Reiki used the book to point at Sato and Suzuki. Reiki said. “You two, pick him up and make sure he stays standing.” The two boys exchanged looks while Reiki’s hollow and dead eyes were exposed for a split second, he said. “Are you two waiting to find out what happens if I ask again?” Sato and Suzuki dragged their feet as they reluctantly helped Teiko stand on his two feet. Teiko let out a slightly crazy laugh and said. “Akihito, your life is over! You hear me?! My parents will sue-!” Reiki slammed the corner of the book on Teiko’s head.

[System: User has dealt 21 Damage.]

Reiki was winding up the next blow but stopped when Amaya spoke up. Amaya said. “A-Akihito-san… Don’t you think you’ve caused enough harm?…” Reiki turned his head to look at Amaya as he quickly looked down at the floor. Reiki said. “Sure, I’ll stop.” Amaya’s eyes widened as he slowly looked up at him, he said. “R-Really?...” He thought. That’s all it took?

Reiki used the book he was holding to point at him and said. “If you take his place.” Amaya felt his heart skip a beat as his gaze wandered to the smile on Reiki’s face. Amaya said. “W-What?” Reiki turned his head toward the two people assisting Teiko to stand on his own two feet. Reiki said. “Sato, Suzuki. I think Amaya needs help standing.” From the corner of his eye, he saw Teiko glaring at him as Reiki used the edge of the book to hit Teiko’s throat.

[System: User has dealt 25 Damage.]

Teiko started choking as he had difficulty breathing while Reiki gave Sato and Suzuki a side-eye glare which made them let go of their friend as they walked toward Amaya. Teiko fell to the floor while grasping his throat with both his hands while Amaya took a couple of steps back as he placed both his arms in front of him. Amaya said. “Guys, we’ve known each other for years. A-Are you really going to listen to him?” Sato and Suzuki stood on each side of Amaya as they grabbed their friend's shoulders. Reiki slowly made his way toward them while Amaya nervously turned his head to see his friends avoiding eye contact.

Amaya moved his gaze onto Sato and Suzuki held him in place. Amaya spoke with a hint of pleading in his voice and said. “Sato, Suzuki-.” He saw Reiki was getting closer as his gaze wandered on Teiko on the floor on all fours while struggling to breathe. Amaya said. “This was all Kussata’s idea! Teiko made a deal with him!” Reiki was standing at arm's length of him and thought. Coward, I didn't even hit him. He pretended to be surprised, Reiki said. “... Is that true?...”

Amaya hastily nodded while Reiki paused for a moment and said. “You can go.” Amaya had a hint of hope in his eyes, he said. “... Go, where?...” Reiki used the book to point at the door, he said. “To class.” He moved his gaze back to Sato and Suzuki. Reiki continued. “Let him go-.” Before he could finish his sentence Teiko glared at Amaya from the corner of his eyes and said. “C-Coward.” He went into a coughing fit while Amaya felt the hands grabbing his shoulder loosen as he set himself free. Amaya quickly made his way to the door and grabbed the doorknob.

He turned it as the faint sound of the lock coming undone came from it. Amaya barely opened the door but froze when he heard Reiki speak. He said. “I’ll see you at class later, Amaya.” Amaya felt a chill go down his spine as he closed the door on his way out of the room as the sound of his running came from the other side of the door. Reiki made his way toward Teiko while Sato and Suzuki stood in place. Reiki ignored the glare Teiko was giving him and said. “Night.” Reiki slammed the corner of the book on the back of Teiko’s neck as he passed out from the pain.

He leaned down, grabbed Teiko by the hair, and dragged him to one of the windows. Reiki reached the window and threw Teiko out, shattering it.

[System: User has dealt 28 Damage.]

Reiki threw the book onto the table and did some stretches, he thought. I’m hungry again from moving too much. He glanced at the other students standing and didn’t know what to do, Reiki said. “And you five are still here because?” The students instantly started making their way to the door as they scrambled to get out of the library first.

Reiki made his way to the table while ignoring his classmates stumbling over each other to get out first. He sat down and stared at the book that had dried blood seeping into the pages, Reiki thought. At least Q can help with the cleaning. Tanaka was the last one to get out of the room as he tipped and quickly stood up and ran down the hallway leaving the door open. Reiki said. “Q, if you don’t mind.” A few black tendrils started to grow under Reiki’s shirt.

They reached the top of the table and slowly changed into a pair of black featureless lizards. Reiki watched one of the lizards crawl at unnatural speeds toward the bloody corner of the book while the other one started searching the room for blood. Reiki picked up the book that had the words King Arthur on the front of the cover and started reading, he thought. What changed in your story. From the corner of his eye, Reiki saw the black lizard turn into strings as it squeezed in between the pages of the closed book.

He moved his gaze back to the book in his hands, Reiki thought. How small are the gaps between the pages of a closed book?... The other black lizard crawled across the floor at blinding speeds as it crawled up his pants and into Reiki’s shirt. He flipped through the pages and started at the beginning of the story but stopped when he noticed the thick book slightly moving. Reiki said. “Q, you need some help there?” The book opened itself and in the center was a black featureless lizard that had some dried blood on the tip of where its nose should be.

The black lizard zipped from the table, climbed onto Reiki’s forearm, and made its way into his sleeve. Reiki moved his gaze back to the book while the sound of two footsteps was getting closer. Sutekina made her way into the library while Kireina closed the door behind as her gaze was stuck on the two broken windows. Sutekina looked around the library while walking toward the table Reiki was sitting at, she said. “So, what do you have to say for yourself?” Reiki kept his gaze on the book as he flipped to the next page.

He said. “It was an accident.” Kireina made her way to the table as she stood beside her younger sister and said. “There are two broken windows.” Her pupils faintly glowed a light blue color as she glanced in the direction of the smashed windows. Reiki’s gaze was still on the pages of the book, he said. “The accident being the older brother was heavier than I thought which messed up my throw.” Sutekina let out a chuckle while Kireina glared at her. Kireina made her way to the other side of the table and pulled the chair back.

She sat down on it and said. “You just beat up two people and aren’t even worried about the lawsuit.” Sutekina’s gaze wandered to the book Reiki was reading, she thought. King Arthur? Reiki flipped to the next page and said. “I can confidently say their family doesn’t know a decent lawyer, let alone have the money to afford one.” Kireina raised a brow at him, she said. “You say that as if you have money for one.” Reiki flipped to the next page, he thought. I have a few things I can use as leverage for a good lawyer. But why use them now when they have so much more to lose later in life.

Sutekina pointed at one of the shattered windows, she said. “You’re not even going to pretend to be sorry for them?” Reiki kept his gaze on the book as he shook his head sideways and said. “Nope, if anything don’t give them any first aid treatment. The world would be a better place without them.” Kireina stared at him, she said. “... Seems a bit cold letting other people die without lending a hand.” Reiki moved his gaze to the right page and said. “People die every day, what makes their death so different?”

Sutekina stopped pointing at the window, placed her hand on her hip, and stared at Reiki. She said. “There’s would be in your hands.” Reiki placed the book on the table and did some stretches while sitting on the chair, he said. “Is this going to turn into a moral lecture on how killing is bad and I should strive to make the world a better place?” The twin sisters had a hint of awkwardness on their faces while Kireina cleared her throat and said. “Don’t worry, it won’t.”

Reiki picked up the book as he went back to reading while Sutekina used her index finger to tap on the table a couple of times. Reiki said. “Why are you two giving me special treatment? For all you know, I might bomb this entire school.” He thought. Wouldn’t be the first building I blew up. Kireina gave him an odd look and said. “Did you just threaten to bomb my school?” Reiki flipped to the next page, he said. “And you need to stop pretending to care about it.” Kireina’s eyes widened slightly at what he said, before she could say anything Sutekina raised her hand which got her attention.

She shook her head sideways while Kireina let out a slow exhale and said. “We’ll do everything to protect you from the lawsuit.” Reiki moved his gaze to the right page, he said. “How come none of them are suspended?” Sutekina moved some hair behind her ear, she said. “Fights are common in schools like ours if every conflict resulted in students that participated getting punished. Almost every school would be half empty.” Reiki flipped to the next page and said. “But since they’re repeat offenders, they’ll get some time off?”

Kireina kept her gaze on him, she said. “Even if they didn’t, we can at least adjust their grades like you suggested.” Reiki kept his gaze on the page, he said. “Do either of you have a sweet tooth?” Sutekina and Kireina spoke in unison and said. “Yes.” Reiki placed the book on the table, he said. “I made some sweets and my older sister told me to share.” His hand was inside the pocket of his pants while Sutekina turned her head to look out the broken window with narrowed eyes. She thought. Something fast is headed this way-.

Before she could finish her train of thought a streak of white made its way to the top of Reiki’s head as an albino crow appeared. Kireina had some mana gathering in her hand as it slowly dispersed, she said. “Hello… Cherry…” Cherry let out a caw and flapped her wings while Reiki took out a tattered pouch from his pocket. Cherry made herself comfortable on his head while Reiki placed his hand inside the pouch, he said. “You two can have all of these, just make sure to return the containers before I leave.” He took out three large tupperwares stacked on top of each and were filled with sweets.

Reiki placed the containers on the table and moved them closer to Kireina sitting across from him. He picked up the book while Sutekina appeared behind the empty seat beside her older sister and pulled it back. She sat down while Kireina opened the tupperware on the top, she said. “What did you make?” Reiki flipped to the next page and said. “Some yatsuhashi, kuri daifuku, mochi, and ice cream mochi.” Kireina saw the container was filled with mochi as she reached out to pick one up while Sutekina’s hand blurred as she took a couple.

Kireina gave her little sister a side glare while Sutekina ignored the gaze and took a bite of the mochi. Cherry turned into a streak of white and reappeared on Reiki’s right shoulder, he gently rubbed her head and said. “Hey there girl, welcome back.” Cherry let out a caw and flapped her wings while Sutekina opened another tupperware that was filled with yatsuhashi. She said. “You let her fly around on her own?” Sutekina picked up a yatsuhashi while Reiki moved his gaze onto her. He said. “Cherry is a smart crow, she can take care of herself.”

Kireina gulped down a mouthful of food and said. “How far did she fly?” Reiki thought. London. Reiki went back to reading, he said. “Just around the block.”