“Is that really him?”

“Who?”

“Dude, have you been living under a rock? Have you not heard of Asrion?”

“Who’s that? Some kind of cartoon character?”

Although I appear unfazed by this comment, a vein bulges on my forehead. Surrounded by a buzz of whispers, I walk back home. Holding my head up high, each stride purposeful and strong. I’m still not used to this kind of attention, so it’s taking all my willpower not to break into a goofy grin.

I mean, it wasn’t always like this. I used to be just another average student—decent grades, nothing to write home about. I don’t get why everyone’s making such a fuss. All I did was shake up my dull routine a bit. I worked hard, got stronger, and the rest—well, let’s just say fame and success followed naturally. You know, typical high school stuff.

Okay, okay, who am I kidding? Not even I can convince myself anymore. Seriously, what the hell? I always thought I was at the bottom of the social ladder, but apparently, I’ve risen so much that I’m actually standing out. Oopsy-poopsy, oh well, it is what it is. Not that I’m complaining.

Honestly, I’m finding this situation utterly hilarious. Who knew the same people who used to look down on me would start worshipping me? My sadistic side is urging me to rub it all right in their faces, but I wouldn’t have made it this far if I indulged myself on every whim.

I continue my walk down the street. A large open park stands on my right. Multiple people in school uniform can be seen playing around. Across the road, on my left is a more residential area, where the majority of students are seen to go. I catch people glancing at me, doing double takes, but I don’t bother acknowledging them and I carry on walking on my own. Normally I would be walking with a friend or two, but they’re busy today and I live quite a bit further away than others.

I reach a four-way intersection, a sign that I’ve almost reached my destination. As I stand, waiting for the traffic lights to blink green, a high-pitched ping sounds through the pockets of my trousers.

Who could be messaging me at this time?

I pull out my phone and glance at the message. A number I don’t recognise, and what they’re asking is quite outrageous too.

What is this person thinking? Asking me to meet up with them without even telling me who they are? Seriously, who does that? A little bit of courtesy would be nice.

I don’t have a solid idea of who it might be. If they had something important to say, they could’ve just texted me, right? Maybe the information is sensitive, or it’s some kind of surprise. Best case scenario, it’s an admirer—preferably female. Worst case...? Who would even try something like that? It’d be a pretty stupid idea. I don’t see it ending well for them if they pull something like that. Yeah, it’s decided. I’m might as well go. I’m not necessarily busy today, I was planning on just taking it easy anyways.

After crossing the road, instead of crossing again to the right like I usually do, I continue going forwards. It’s only a couple of minutes away—shouldn’t take too long. I quicken my pace as a grin slowly spreads across my face. I’ve always found this sense of mystery and uncertainty appealing. Heck, I could even get addicted to it. Even if this doesn’t turn out well, at least I can look forward to spending the rest of the day lazing around.

With my head up in the clouds, I hardly notice when I arrive. The meeting spot is a small, tucked-away concrete square wedged between a few houses. The air hangs heavy with the scent of damp earth, and the wind feels like it’s holding its breath. It’s the perfect spot for something shady. They’re not here yet, but that’s fine—I don’t mind waiting a few minutes. Should I send them a text? Wait, did I even reply to their message? They might not show up at all.

A few minutes pass, boredom begins to creep in. Just as I’m about to give up and leave, I hear footsteps echoing from around the corner. Finally! I’ve been waiting! I wonder who it i—… Wait a second. Isn’t that too many footsteps?

Multiple guys come into view, each one looking more serious than the last. None of them are especially bulky, but they’re not so scrawny either. They move with a confidence that sends a chill down my spine. One thing’s for sure: they didn’t come here to pledge their allegiance to me. This is probably an ambush. Well, not really an ambush, because I came here voluntarily, fully aware that this was a possible outcome. But come on! Who could’ve expected this?

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

As if to answer my unspoken questions, one guy steps in front of the rest. He’s shorter than the others, and I have to resist laughing at his feeble attempt at trying to look tough. What are you supposed to be, the leader? You look like you’re the weakest of the bunch! Stop trying to act like some big-shot, kid!

“You’ve got some nerve, not replying to my message. Not like it matters, because you came anyway,” the boy says in a squeaky voice, not helping his tough guy act one bit. Well, I do guess that was a bit rude of me, but oh well.

“Who is this cute little kid trying to act big? Anyone care to tell me?” I taunt in return. Seems like that hit a sore spot because the little man has now become an angry man – still little though.

Wait, so you would’ve come here even if I didn’t show up? That would’ve been hilarious. In a place like this, no one would’ve been around to see you embarrass yourself. Realistically speaking, though, he probably saw that I was here before calling over his bros. At least, I hope so… for your own sake.

“Shut up!” He shouts. “What idiot would come here knowing it was a trap?”

Wait, this is a trap? No way. Thanks for the info, buddy. Now may I make myself scarce? I really don’t feel like having my ass beaten—it’d sitting down really uncomfortable for me later.

Seriously though, I feel like wetting myself right about now. What do you want me to do against five guys? I may take martial arts lessons every now and then, but that doesn’t mean I’m any good. And fighting multiple opponents? That’s a bit unfair, don’t you think? Why did I taunt him again? I might actually be an idiot.

“Keeping quiet, huh? What are you, a pussy?” He bursts out laughing, and his crew joins in, their forced chuckles grating on my nerves. You guys rehearse this or something? I didn’t respond because there was nothing to say—not because I just realized I’m in deep shit.

Crap, one of the guys is approaching me. Should I fight or run?

I’m not given any time to decide as the first guy charges, his footsteps pounding the cracked pavement. I brace myself, fists clenched.

He’s coming in fast, but his technique is sloppy. All style, no substance. If this is the level they’re at, maybe I have a shot. My heart rate slows as I settle into a boxing stance. It’s not ideal for street fights, but I don’t know any better. He’s leading with a horrendous punch—it’s telegraphed from a mile away. Should I kick him?

I launch a front kick straight to his groin. Why do people in stories avoid this? It’s brutally effective, like a guaranteed critical hit. The guy drops like a stone, writhing on the ground. His friends freeze, and even the little leader’s jaw drops. Should I finish him off? He could get back up… or would that be overkill?

Eh, screw it. I stamp down on his head, hard. He stops moving, but there’s no blood—he’s probably not dead. It’s fine, I’ll just claim it was self-defence, or just straight-up lie. Yeah, the latter seems to be the safest bet in court.

The remaining four guys look visibly shaken, especially as I start walking toward them. I might as well mess with them a bit.

“Who’s next? Just line up right here, single file!” I taunt. Oops, I forgot I’m still outnumbered. Silly old me.

“Says the guy with the dumbass name!” one of them shouts. Wow, that’s your comeback? Even I think Asrion is a dumb name. My parents must’ve been drinking when they were naming me. Good thing they didn’t drink while I was still a foetus…

Two of them finally begin to move, approaching cautiously. The guy on the left winds up for a punch. Really? You don’t get bonus damage for charging up, pal. I step in close, grabbing his shoulders, effectively stopping the punch before he can throw it. I pull him in and drive my knee into his diaphragm. He crumples to the ground, gasping for air.

Before I can react, the second guy grabs me from behind, trying to wrestle me down. Seriously? I’m bigger than you, genius. Weight classes exist for a reason you know.

I stomp on his foot, and he grunts, loosening his grip. I spin around and catch him in the jaw with the back of my fist. He joins his friend on the ground. Finally, the last guy left starts coming at me. Wait—what? Last guy? Where did that leader go?

I glance around and spot the leader trying to sneak away. What a cheeky little coward.

“Hey!” I shout to the guy approaching me. “Your boss is ditching you!”

He glances over his shoulder like an idiot. Thanks for the opening, buddy. I nail him with a swift kick between the legs and slam him into the pavement. Now I’m alone, surrounded by four incapacitated idiots.

Great. This would look really bad if someone saw me like this. I need to catch that little coward before he causes me any more trouble. Was this even a fight? It felt more like fighting with a bunch of actors. If they’d rushed me all at once, I’d have been toast. But no—they came at me one by one, like some kind of wave defence game.

As I start in the direction the leader ran, a sudden wave of nausea hits me. Or is it nausea? My vision blurs, but I don’t feel sick. Did someone hit me? Frantically, I swing my head around, searching for a probable cause. I can’t see anyone through the haze, just the bodies. Do my other senses even work? I bite my tongue—yep, definitely felt that. So, what the hell is going on?

I continue to squirm about, searching for the cause as I fail to notice my consciousness beginning to slowly slip away.