"So pathetic..." Arjun gasped, each breath growing weaker as the warmth of his own blood spread across his chest. His trembling hand instinctively pressed against the wound, trying to stem the inevitable.
"What a stupid ambition.. To think I'd really be like [???]." Arjun muttered, his voice faltering under his dying breath. "Im very sorry, Rea.. would you still forgive me?" The question echoed in his mind as he replayed every action, every decision that had led to this pitiful, devastating moment.
"I really.. am a fool... But, maybe.. I would finally see [???] again?"
***
"Sector Four. Attention, passengers: Please disembark at your destination." The train's speakers crackled, repeating the automated message through the carriage.
Arjun straightened his bag and adjusted his tie with a swift motion before stepping off the train. The familiar hustle and bustle of Maenali, the capital city of Celis, greeted him as it always did—just another ordinary day.
Making his way to school, the lively energy of the streets seemed to carry over. Students poured in for another day of classes, while teachers arrived with their usual sense of duty.
Just another normal day, Arjun thought as he entered the school grounds. The moment he stepped inside, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Yo, Arjun! What's up?" His friend Raki waved, weaving through the crowd to catch up.
Arjun returned the smile. "Not much, same old. How about you?"
Raki shrugged with a grin. "Yeah, you know... the usual grind. Still kinda pissed about my gacha pulls yesterday, though."
Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "That’s just how it is with gacha games. Luck's a cruel thing."
The two continued their conversation, laughing and sharing stories, until a voice cut through the chatter, sending chills down their spines.
"Arjun... Raki..." Saelas's voice echoed ominously, and it was clear she was not in a good mood.
"Prez..." Raki replied, a hint of apprehension in his tone.
"We were just wrapping up our conversation," Arjun said, forcing a nervous chuckle as he glanced at Raki, hoping to diffuse the tension.
"It's early in the morning," Saelas said, her arms crossed and her tone stern. "How do you have this much energy to chatter loudly, especially in the middle of the hallway? Get to your classroom now, or I’ll penalize both of you for causing a distraction!"
“Come on, Saelas, it wasn’t that bad! There was still plenty of space to—”
“Do not call me ‘Saelas’ when I'm in the middle of my duties,” she interrupted, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
“Sorry, Prez,” Arjun quickly corrected, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his voice.
“Why are you being so mean to us? Years ago, you were so kind and sweet,” Raki said, a teasing lilt in his voice.
Saelas narrowed her eyes, her expression unyielding. “That was before I was elected student council president. Didn’t I tell you to separate my private life from my school duties?”
“Yeah, but you’re so harsh now. Back then, you were so innocent! I remember how scared you were of the neighbor’s dog when it ran up to you—” Raki continued, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Damn it! Just get to class before I bash your skull!” Saelas snapped, her annoyance evident, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. The sight of her flustered expression only fueled Raki’s amusement.
Raki raised his hands in mock surrender, chuckling as he turned to walk away. “Alright, alright, we’re going! But just remember, we still love you Prez!”
The two swiftly dashed away, leaving Saelas no opportunity to respond or react. After a minute of sprinting through the bustling hallways, they finally reached their classroom with just a minute to spare before the first subject began. Breathless, they slid into their seats, exchanging relieved glances as they settled in.
Minutes dragged on like hours for Arjun as the teacher droned on, the lesson dissolving into an indistinct blur. Despite a long night’s rest, he felt an overwhelming wave of sleepiness wash over him. Academics had never been his strong suit; he wasn’t one to fail every subject, but for him, school was simply another hurdle to overcome.
Just as he was about to doze off, a sudden vibration from his phone jolted him awake. Must be a message from someone, he thought, fishing the device out of his pocket, eager for a distraction from the monotony of the lecture.
He swiftly unlocked his phone and saw a message from Rea.
Rea:*[Heyy! Do you want to eat lunch together today?]*
Arjun:*[Sure, I’ll try to. I have to get through this torturous class, though.]*
Rea:*[Really?? Thank youu! Let’s meet up at the school courtyard at 12. Also, good luck with your problem ehe ^^ ]*
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Arjun chuckled quietly, shaking his head at her playful tone. This girl... he thought, warmth spreading through him.
As Arjun glanced up from his phone, the classroom seemed to blur into the background. The teacher’s voice became a distant hum as the thought of lunch with Rea brought a spark of energy back into him.
Hours passed, and the monotony of the day dragged on until, finally, the bell rang. Their fourth-period teacher dismissed the class for lunch, and one by one, students shuffled out. Arjun followed, feeling a bit drained from the lectures but eager for a break.
"Arjun! You eating lunch with us?" Raki called, catching up to him. "We're thinking of inviting Saelas too. She might still be grumpy about earlier," he added with a laugh.
"Sorry, I’ve already got plans with Rea today. Maybe next time," Arjun said, tossing an apologetic smile his way.
"Really? Again with Rea?" Raki shook his head, chuckling. "Oh well, do your thing, man. I’ll handle cheering up Saelas—I’m sure my charm will do the trick."
"Good luck with that," Arjun replied, smirking. "Her schedule’s probably packed as always."
"Eh?? Oh come on! Either way I'll still try."
Arjun laughed slightly, "Alright then, I'll see you later!"
Arjun hurried down the packed hallways, weaving between groups of students who all seemed just as eager to get to lunch. The crowded corridor was an obstacle course, and he could feel each passing second pulling him further behind.
After a few minutes, he finally emerged into the courtyard, panting slightly from his quick pace. Unlike the chaotic hallways, the courtyard was a peaceful oasis, with only a handful of students scattered about, enjoying their lunch under the open sky. And there, sitting on a bench beneath the dappled sunlight, was Rea.
No doubt about it. He straightened up and walked over, trying to catch his breath. “Hey, sorry I’m a bit late—did you wait long?”
Rea looked up from her book, a playful frown on her face. “I’ve been here forever, you know,” she said, shaking her head in mock disappointment.
Arjun gave a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his neck. “I said I’m sorry! The hallways were totally packed,” he explained.
She pretended to think it over, tapping her chin. “Hmph, fine, I’ll forgive you… this time,” she said with a playful smile, her teasing tone softening. She patted the empty spot on the bench beside her. “Well, what are you waiting for? Sit down already!”
Arjun chuckled and settled in next to her.
Rea sighed, giving him a sideways glance. “Dumb Arjun, you should know better than to leave your childhood friend waiting.” Her expression softened for a moment, almost wistful. “We barely get to hang out as it is, you know? Life’s… complicated.”
“Yeah, I know,” Arjun replied, scratching the back of his head. “Our classes don’t line up, we live on opposite sides of the city, and you’re always busy with your duties.”
Rea gave an eye-roll, though her lips curved into a smile. “Excuses, excuses.” She paused, looking down as her voice softened. “Still… it’d be nice if we could find more time for things like this.”
“Yeah. I’ll try harder not to keep you waiting next time.”
"Good," Rea chuckled. "Well, let’s eat then! Did you bring your own lunch?"
Arjun paused, scratching his head sheepishly. "Oh… now that I think about it… I kinda forgot to grab something from the canteen." He gave a small, embarrassed laugh. "Sorry about that."
Rea sighed, but a playful smile danced on her lips. "Honestly, what would you do without me? Lucky for you, I packed extra today." She giggled softly, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Guess I’m saving you again, huh?"
"Yeah..." He chuckled. "I don’t know how I can repay you for all the times you’ve helped me out."
Rea’s smile softened, a gentle warmth in her gaze. "You don’t have to repay me," she said, opening her lunchbox with a contented look. "Just being here with me is enough." She held out a spoonful of food toward him, her expression playfully stern. "Here. I made it, so you have to eat it—no complaints, or I’ll get upset."
After they’d finished eating, the two sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments, the gentle warmth of the courtyard making it feel like time had slowed down just for them.
"That was really good," Arjun said, stretching slightly as he relaxed. "Your cooking is as impressive as always, Rea."
Rea smiled, closing the lunchbox with a satisfied look. "Thanks. I’m always happy to make more for you." She carefully tucked the lunchbox away beside her.
Suddenly, the school bell echoed through the courtyard, signaling the end of lunchtime. Arjun glanced toward the entrance of the hallway, sighing as he stood up. "Guess that’s our cue. We’d better get going before we’re late."
But as he rose to his feet, he felt a gentle tug on his shirt. He looked down to see Rea’s hand grasping the fabric, her gaze fixed downward, almost hesitant.
"No, not yet," she murmured, her voice soft and almost pleading. "Stay… just a little longer, please."
The usual confidence in her eyes was softened, replaced by a vulnerability that made Arjun pause. He sat back down, letting the moment stretch, just for them.
"I haven't said what I was supposed to say to you today," Rea said softly, patting her lap, inviting him to rest his head there.
Arjun hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering his head onto her lap. The warmth of her presence enveloped him, and he closed his eyes, savoring the tranquility of the moment. After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "So, what is it?"
Rea took a deep breath, her fingers gently brushing through his hair. "You know... with my position as an archangel, I'm always busy taking care of and protecting the city, right?"
"Yeah," Arjun replied, glancing up at her. "Must be tough on you."
"Well, because of that, I won't always be there to save you if things go wrong." Her voice trembled slightly, worry etched across her features. "You're such a fool, Arjun."
"I'm sorry," he said, guilt creeping into his voice. "There's just someone I’m trying to reach."
"But do you really have to reach them?" she pressed, her expression earnest. "Isn’t the life you already live enough for you?"
Arjun hesitated, contemplating her words. The weight of his unfulfilled desires hung heavily in the air between them.
"So would you promise me that you won't put yourself in danger again?" she asked, her voice trembling on the edge of breaking.
Arjun looked up at her, the sincerity in her eyes tugging at his heart. "I promise," he replied, though a flicker of doubt stirred in the back of his mind. Could he really keep that promise?
Rea smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She continued to stroke his hair gently, and they lingered in that peaceful silence a little longer, each lost in their own thoughts.
----------------------------------------
It was truly a normal day for Arjun. Aside from the moment he had shared with Rea, nothing particularly special had occurred. He opted to walk home instead of taking the train, enjoying the quieter streets that stretched before him as evening fell. There was something calming about walking under the fading light of the day, the soft glow of streetlamps illuminating his path.
But the tranquility shattered when a wailing siren pierced the air, echoing through the city like a warning bell. Arjun’s heart raced as the familiar announcement blared from the speakers mounted on street poles.
"Attention all citizens, please evacuate to the nearest stronghold. I repeat, please evacuate to the nearest stronghold. The city is currently under attack."
"Damn, really? Another one this month?" he muttered, a mix of disbelief and concern flooding his mind. He had hoped the city would have a respite from the chaos, but it seemed tonight had other plans.
Just then, his phone buzzed, and a call from Rea lit up the screen. Panic surged through him as he quickly answered. "What is it, Rea? Are you okay?"
[Yeah, I'm fine,] she replied, though her tone was laced with worry. [I'm currently tasked with evacuating people at the main square, but most importantly, where are you right now?]
"I was on my way home. If I had to guess, I’m about 700 meters from the nearest stronghold."
[That's a relief,] she said, her voice softening slightly. [Please head there immediately. I won't be able to forgive myself if something happens to you.]
"Don't worry, I'll go now," he assured her, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
[I see. Please stay safe,] she urged, her concern palpable even through the phone.
"Will do," Arjun replied before the call ended. But in his mind, he wrestled with a difficult choice. Would he miss out on an opportunity for 'that'? Or would he keep the promise he made to Rea?
After a moment of inner turmoil, he made his decision. "I'm sorry, Rea. Please forgive me for this."
Without hesitation, he turned back, racing toward the source of the chaos. As he ran through the city, he gathered bits of information from terrified citizens. It was clear now: the disturbance likely originated near the Nexus Mall. With that knowledge, he hastened his steps, adrenaline propelling him forward.
After navigating through empty streets, Arjun arrived near the mall. The area was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the distant sounds of panic that echoed through the air. Most people had already evacuated, leaving behind an unsettling stillness.
His instincts kicked in as he scanned the surroundings. Arjun predicted that the perpetrator would linger where the devastation was greatest, feasting on the souls of the fallen. His heart raced as he braced himself for what lay ahead, steeling his resolve to confront whatever darkness awaited him.
Arjun stepped cautiously into the vast, eerie silence of the mall. Each footfall echoed in the emptiness, as he moved slowly, listening. Somewhere ahead, muffled footsteps and faint, unnatural sounds confirmed his suspicion—the perpetrator was close.
He reached the mall’s main atrium, a space once bustling with life, vibrant stalls, and shoppers. Now, it lay in ruin, shadows draping every corner. The cheerful storefronts were replaced with shattered glass and upturned displays. At the heart of it all stood a lone figure—a dark, humanoid silhouette wielding a spear, consuming the lingering traces of the souls left behind. Shadows clung to it, blurring its shape, but the malevolent aura was unmistakable.
“I’m surprised you made it this far without me noticing... human,"
-Chapter End-