With the warm sun hanging over the open plains, the students gathered in a circle, all eyes on Emely. Now that Alum was awake, some of her anxiety quelled. Although there were many questions, she couldn't afford to ask yet.
"Now that Al is awake, we should decide where to go from here. Note that our electronics don't work despite our attempts to fix them. So, we can forget about relying on them." Emely voiced more sternly than usual, crossing her arms.
The students buzzed, looking at one another. In this day and age, who didn't rely on their phones or computers? Even with their bright minds, entertainment and information weren't the only uses they had for them—their pictures were stored on those small devices—in essence, memories. Emely understood this and quickly moved to a more important discussion.
"We've discussed this prior, but water isn't a concern anymore. Things might get easier depending on how we act. I know you're all capable, so we should start delegating tasks. Now that we know that a few can manipulate the soil or plants. Can we leave the shelters to you?" Emely requested, looking around.
The first of the aforementioned students were Oliver, Maya, and Lova. They had the ability to manipulate plants with some proficiency. As for soil and rocks, it was Oscar, Sten, Kurt, and Malin.
"That's fine by me," Oliver stated, crossing his arms. He glanced at his friends. "What about you, Maya, Oscar, Malin?"
"If that's what you say, count me in," Oscar shrugged, gazing at Maya and Malin.
"I hope I can be of help…" Her reluctant voice surfaced as she twirled her hair. Malin, one of her friends, reassured her with a light tap on the back. "Malin…"
"It's fine," Malin grinned, wrapping her arm around Maya's shoulder. "I'll be with you," she said.
Maya's eyes shook for a moment. "…I love you!" she broke free, hugging her friend tightly.
"Hey~ what about me?" Ida queried teasingly, joining them.
The exchange had brightened the mood. It was something all they desperately needed. But they couldn't relax just yet. Emely cleared her throat lightly so they could get back to the matter without it being too tense.
"I'll join in, too," Kurt added, scratching his head. "It'll distract me a while…" A somewhat forced smile surfaced.
Emely's lips loosened into a smile. She glanced at the last person who showed capabilities for either of the elements—Sten. She knew his more reserved nature and asked, "Sten, could you help them out?" in a gentler tone.
"Uh… sure, I'm just not so good with this… magic stuff, but helping is the least I can do…"
"Thank you," she said but began to ponder for a moment before she looked at her students. "Say, is the soil easier to manipulate if it's damped? What about hardening with fire afterward?" Her sudden inquiry got the students thinking.
"We haven't tried. Either way, it would help if someone with water abilities could sign up for the task," Noel suggested.
At his suggestion, the others began to think and consider the words. While it was an important task, there was another thing gnawing at the back of their minds; they had nothing to fill their stomachs long term.
Oliver furrowed his brow, resting his chin on his hand with a distanced gaze, considering Emely's and Noel's words. "Daniel, Signe, would the two of you like to join us?" He asked the two, excluding Noel and Miu, since he figured another group needed them.
Daniel thought about it. He was going to practice his abilities or look for food either way. "Sure, I don't mind," he replied, nodding.
"Same here," Signe voiced, raising her hand slightly.
"I can use fire, too," Kurt added. "But it might get exhausting, Kevin. Help me out, will you?" It was a request, but not a request. Kevin knew and resigned without protest.
"Sure..."
"Hmm, in that case, I hope I can be useful too," Tobias said. He could also manipulate fire and got along decently with Kevin and Kurt.
"Thanks, it'll help greatly." Words of gratitude left Oliver's lungs, but his eyes still widened. He didn't think that so many would voluntarily join.
A confident smile tugged the corner of his lips. He glanced toward Noel and Miu. Are you guys handling the food situation somehow? He seemed to ask with his eyes. Both Noel and Miu nodded, reassuring him he could have more resources on his end.
At the sight, warmth enveloped Emely. Despite the unorthodox situation, she hadn't expected their cooperation to be this good.
I didn't think it would be this smooth sailing… Emely watched in relief before clapping her hands. "It's settled then!" she said brightly.
Seeing her energetic face, the students heaved a deep sigh, alleviating some pent-up stress. But they had to move to the next topic; they didn't have all day.
"Now… as for the other dire issue—food." Emely's eyes darkened. "There are snacks left, but we need to come up with something really fast." She crossed her arms, contemplating." We don't know anything about fauna and flora either. So it might be somewhat tricky…"
Miu glanced at Noel. He smiled, reassuring and filling her with confidence. "I might be able to help distinguish flora," she declared. "I've been feeling a little strange for a while, but… for some reason, I intuitively understand their properties… perhaps the fauna too?"
Her words had caught everyone by surprise. It took them some time to process until it finally sunk in. Emely was the first to speak up.
"…I see!" Emely exclaimed, her eyes brightened. "Can I ask you to go forage?"
"Leave it to me!" Miu declared, hands on her chest. A bit of tension escaped her body.
At her words, some fell to their knees, relieved. Starvation had been one of their worst fears. They also didn't doubt her because she wouldn't have brought it up confidently otherwise. "Miu really is a lifesaver…" they said, letting go of the heavy air jammed in their lungs.
"Then, could the rest of you help her?"
The ones left were Lena, Julia, David, Andreas, Henrik, Jayne, Lova, Ida, Noel and Alum. Lena, Julia, Lova, and Noel were Miu's close friends. They only briefly glanced at each other before readily agreeing.
Miu was also friendly with David, Andreas, Henrik, and Jayne. But she tried to be at arm's length around men, having experienced them develop a crush on her or being salacious towards her.
"Then… if I can be of use, I'll join…" Jayne said, crossing her arms. Her expression was slightly pale.
While she did get along with Miu, she was a loner at heart. It was true for David and Tobias, too. However, David was more fluid than the two.
"Same here, if I can be useful," Henrik added.
The chatter quieted down. They looked at the two left, Alum and David. David was the first to realize they possessed something supernatural, and he was willing to help. Alum, on the other hand…
"…"
—Clap!
"Al, you should discover your abilities first." Emely smiled, trying to break the tension. "And since you just woke up, you can take some time to gather your thoughts—"
"If I may suggest, Professor," David suddenly interrupted her and locked eyes with Alum.
"What is it… David?" Emely replied, furrowing her eyebrows.
He smiled, closed his eyes, and concentrated. The others wondered what he was up to—then suddenly, something transparent began to materialize until it revealed a sleek blue spear with carvings of serpents—radiating some power.
"This came intuitively, too, as I learned more about these abilities—I also have formal martial arts training. I'll act a little more independently." He smiled casually. "And I was thinking of heading to the river to see if there were any fish. I reason it is within the safe area."
"…"
Everyone was stunned, but it didn't faze him. The others didn't know if they found him a weirdo or impressive—he was composed, almost nonchalant about the happenings, as though he was playing a character.
—Gulp…
I had a feeling, but could David be a dangerous individual? They wondered, swallowing their saliva.
"…Just be safe."
Emely wasn't even going to convince him—he was an adult, and so were the others. They perhaps only listened to her due to formalities—thus, she steeled her heart, hiding her gritted teeth.
Who knows how long until they begin making decisions on their own? She sighed inwardly.
"Alum, care to join me?" David casually suggested, freezing everyone, especially Emely. Her eye twitched.
"David, what are you even—!" Emely protested but felt a hand on her shoulder.
"I got nothing better to do either way," Alum shrugged, putting a smile on David's face filled with intrigue.
"Nice—"
"Wait!" Emely cut in. "Al, you don't even know what…"
Her words slowly trailed off as she felt a damped sensation on her cheek. Water had gathered around her precious cousin. The others were equally surprised as her. Alum displayed an almost casual use of magic.
—Fizz-crackle-crackle.
"What…?"
They couldn't believe how easily he made it seem. Electricity crackled and popped between his hands as water swam in the air like a living creature—crunch. It instantly crystallized to ice.
"Wow…" Bewilderment spread. David was equally surprised—even he had yet to figure out how to turn water into ice.
"Emy, I'll be fine," Alum reassured. He then glanced towards Noel. "Could I ask you to care for her?"
A favor…? That's rare, Noel's eyes widen.
"Oh…? Yeah, leave it to me!" he smiled, puffing his chest with a smug grin.
"Thanks." A soft smile tugged on Alum's lips and turned toward the river. He gestured for David to get moving. "Let's go," he coolly said.
…Interesting, David chuckled, amused by his change.
"Got it."
"…"
"…"
Great… that guy just… they all sighed, their sentiment echoed.
…
..
Under the hot sun, two young men made their way through the knee-high grass. It rustled in the wind as it caressed ticklishly against their legs. David quietly followed Alum. In the distance across the river was a vast forest—colorful, perhaps luminescent, and seemingly magical.
Soon, they reached the stream. Their journey had been a quiet one. Though suspicious about Alum's agreement to come along, David didn't think much of it since the youth was mellower than usual.
There's less tension than I thought, David observed as he watched Alum's open back. He wanted to have a reason to retain the magical spear. But it was costly and constantly drained his energy, causing mental fatigue; saving his energy for later was better.
After a long walk, everyone was out of sight behind the hills. Alum halted, as did David. The stream of water was gentle, rushing serenely, which the sound of the flow emphasized. Occasionally, the noise of plops and bubbles resounded. The water was clear, revealing the creatures swimming at the bottom.
"Something's there alright—!" Before David commented further, he instinctively pushed himself backward—"Urgh—cough-cough," he gasped in pain.
Alum had swiftly turned around, delivering a powerful kick to his abdomen. Despite his attempt to minimize the blow, he was sent back a few meters, tumbling and rolling—that was damned close…he cursed inwardly. Had I reacted later, even with this new robust body—he would've knocked me out…
"So?" Alum queried.
His voice was chilly. The grass had crystallized. He approached casually, crunching the brittle strands, causing David to gulp. His eyes shook in dismay; his body locked on the ground. Ice needles had protruded from the soil, encapsulating him.
—Crunch-crunch…
I thought so... This guy is terrifying...
—Thud!
"Ugh!" David gasped, gazing into Alum's voided eyes.
Alum's shoe dug into David's chest. He crouched down, resting his whole weight on the robust young man.
"What are you up to?"
Ah—this feeling… it's dark... Very. Very. Dark… David was paralyzed. His body didn't want to move, no matter how much he tried—he couldn't even take a breath.
"So? Will you answer? Or must I infer it myself?" Alum's detached, callous interrogation was indifferent to David's pain as he pulled his hair, leaning closer.
—Hic
Suddenly, David's breath hitched, and warm tears flooded his eyes. "I… hic… I-I'm sorry… hic," he wept, his whole body trembling in fear. "Hic… I'm… shorry…"
"…" Alum's eyes widen slightly.
"I-I jush waned so appeer cool and egnimatic… I-I, hic… didn mean anythin bwy it…" he elaborated, sobbing.
He wasn't a rodent? Alum wondered as he frowned slightly. He let go of David gently when he noticed the genuine terror in his eyes. The ice instantly melted as he got off the vulnerable youth.
David reluctantly glanced toward him, making eye contact. "I… hic… I waned so impresh yuh… hic… sthe veneful chid prodegy… hic…" he confessed.
"…"
"Hic…sob…hic…"
"Sorry." An apology unexpectedly escaped Alum's lips.
It caused David's tears to flood uncontrollably. He tried to wipe them off his face, but it wouldn't stop. Thus, he lay there, covering his face as his breath hitched, drenched in as he quivered.
Alum waited a while for David to calm down until he seemed collected enough. "Get up," he said. David looked at him with a hint of confusion. Despite his harsh words, Alum was now mellow. He gestured for David to take his hand.
"O-oh… what is it…?" David was still disoriented, but his speech became more coherent as his breaths evened out.
"Get up."
"…"
"…"
"Okay…"
"Have you calmed down?"
"…Yeah. Somewhat."
With Alum's help, David got back on his feet. I must look horrible right now… he thought with an inward sigh. He splashed water on his face to wash away the tears and snot—composing himself. Refreshed, he noticed a pitiful gaze from Alum, causing him to feel bashful. I can't believe he, out of all people, saw me in such a miserable state—then again… he caused it…
"Um… can I ask you a question?" David voiced reluctantly.
"Go ahead." Alum crossed his arms. The hostility from before had vanished entirely.
"W-was I cool…? A-at least before you beat me up…?" David wanted to ask why he was attacked instead—but daren't.
"…"
"..."
"Pfft… ahaha," Alum began to chuckle lightheartedly.
"O-Oi! Why are you laughing?!" David protested, his face reddened.
"Sorry, sorry, had I known, I would've let you be. And to answer your query—I attacked you because there was something I wanted to know; you could say I was 'testing the waters.' As for the question you voiced—yes, you were cool." Alum usually didn't smile; everyone knew that, but—
He has a cute smile… Though… What would happen were my motives different? David contemplated. Still, he was dumbfounded because the warm and cold contrast was shocking.
"A-ahem… Well… apologies accepted. And the kick wasn't that bad…"
"Is that so?" Alum's head leaned to the side. "It had enough to force crack human ribs—mm, I see? I suppose I'll consider our new state of being until next… Mm, I'll reevaluate our capabilities."
I'm sorry! I was playing it cool again! Wait!? Was… he about to say next time? Um… I prefer not to be kicked again… ever. David crouched down, drawing circles on the ground.
"Mm…? Do you want a hug?" Alum tilted his head.
…A hug? What am I, a child? We aren't close—am I being tested? David furrowed his brow in suspicion.
"No…" he replied promptly. "I'm not your cousin. Also, do you go around hugging people?" David sulked, his eyes questioning him.
"I don't."
"…? Then why did you suddenly offer me one?" Instead of sulking, he got genuinely curious.
"To… comfort?" Alum pondered over the question himself.
No… seriously?! Why did you offer me a hug?
"…"
"…"
After the long silence, David cleared his throat. "You know… I don't know whether you read people like a literary book or a lexicon anymore… which is it…?"
"That's a strange analogy," Alum yawned and feigned comprehension. "So? How do you want to fish? The water seems a little deep—unless you want to dive."
David shook his head. Whatever… he dropped the subject already…
"Ugh… I considered using the spear, but it won't reach, and it's deeper than I thought."
"Other plans?"
"I was thinking I could manipulate the water to create waves and strand the fish," David replied, still contemplating.
"Try it." Alum crossed his arms, waiting.
"…"
David heaved a deep breath and got closer to the river. He reached his hand toward the water. His body surged with warmth—the water began to glow as he pushed it to one side of the river—splash! Then pulled it back towards them—crash!
Creating powerful waves, he caused enough force to hurl the fish onto land. But some washed ashore but escaped with the water flow; the rest instantly hopped back in on their own. Then, the slow, steady stream of the river resumed as if nothing had happened.
…Did he make me so flustered that I skipped the capturing part? Though… it was more exhausting than I thought—is it the volume of water? Urk… My head. Flustered by the oversight, David shut his eyes, massaging the side of his head.
He turned his gaze toward Alum. He was yawning, looking disinterested. "Couldn't you have caught… the fish when they got… flushed onto land?" David complained, catching his breath.
Alum's head tilted to the side. "Was I supposed to?" he asked, assuming he only meant to watch—which he did.
"…" David frantically scratched his head. His face was hot, and his brain throbbed a little. "Do you have a better plan—are you going to freeze the river? Electrocute the fish?"
"No," he replied, snapping his fingers. The river began to glow in the middle, instantly vaporizing—BOOM!
As an explosion erupted, creating a crater, fish were hurled into the air, pouring down as some washed ashore. They landed on land, lying there, stunned by the shockwaves. But before they regained consciousness. Alum froze them before they awaken.
"…"
Controlled vaporization of water to create a gas explosion…? But why didn't he freeze them when I washed them on land—he knows I can't freeze or vaporize water yet, right? David watched with mild annoyance. Meanwhile, Alum seemed to be in thought as he observed the fish he'd just caught. Seriously? What is it? I don't understand him at all! If he wanted to be efficient, he would've used the opportunity I created… He sighed.
"Did that blow you out of the water?" Alum asked, deadpan.
"…"
Wait, was it a pun…? Or did he mean it literally? I don't get it anymore… David sighed, shoulders lowered.
Still disoriented, he scratched his head, joining Alum in collecting the frozen fish. He glanced at Alum for a moment, relieved in a way.
I can't believe it all backfired this bad… David thought. He pinched his face, melting away his earlier frustration. Villain…? How was he the villain?
He began to recall the past. On an early morning at the cold, empty house, his parents were away with his brother and sister for the whole winter break. Only caretakers came by now and then. However, one day, something caught his eye—The Pitiful Child Prodigy. That was the title for the heading. Curious, David picked up the newspaper.
"On April 1, 2014, Noah and Sophia Miller, both 39 and heads of the Miller Pharmaceuticals conglomerate, were found dead in their living room alongside their guards. The only survivor was their 7-year-old son, Alum Miller, initially considered a suspect due to his advanced intellect. However, after a thorough investigation, he was cleared of any wrongdoing. The case remained cold and hopeless until August 7, 2020, when authorities captured Billy Moore, a man in his 50s and the leader of an underground organization known as Rat. The arrest was made possible by none other than Alum Miller, now a teenager and widely regarded as a child prodigy............
On December 31, 2020, Billy Moore was found dead in his solitary confinement cell, an apparent suicide. However, some sources close to the case suspect he was murdered, pointing out that his death coincided with Alum Miller's fourteenth birthday......…"
"Wow…" David gulped. His eyes locked onto the picture of Alum—I want to be like him.
…
..
I tried copying Noel. But I don't think it worked, Alum sighed inwardly. He glanced at David, who was helping him pick up the frozen fish. Fortunately, David seems to be an adaptable person—will he be my friend if I asked? Mm… perhaps not. To put it lightly, I did threaten him.
"Oh, that's why you brought your jacket along?" Alum tilted his head, looking as David lay the fish on it.
"Yeah. It's a pity since it's expensive, but we can't carry it all, so I thought I would brighten it in case we got something."
"That's great…!" Alum's lips twitched into a smile.
"…"
"…"
"Has anyone told you that you were bad at acting?" David inquired. A small chuckle left his lips as he covered his mouth. "Also, that calming monotone voice doesn't match the energy you're trying to exude—your body language also doesn't scream excitement."
"I see," Alum noted it down in his mind. "Did you take acting lessons?"
Stabbed in the chest, David averted his eyes. "I did…"
"Oh," Alum's eyes widened in mild surprise as he realized why. "I see, it's for the cool and enigmatic persona—"
"S-stop! That's embarrassing when you say it like that…" David crouched down, burying his face in his knees.
I could perhaps make it up to him somehow. Alum's complexion slowly melted into a warm smile. "David. Get up. We're heading back." A cold and almost chilling tone jolted David back on his feet.
"Yes!"
—Chuckles.
"…" David sulked, but before long, he laughed lightly too.
"Will you be my friend?" Alum suddenly asked.
"…" Solid like a statue, David dropped the fish in his hands. "Um… Friend(servant)?" he reluctantly questioned.
"Yeah?"
…Huh? He finds me useful—was that why he tested my reactions? From traumatizing me physically and mentally to being compassionate. From surprise to envy… what's after? Sorrow? Really, what a cruel assessment method—what a monster… A smile tugged his lips.
..
"David! I know you were useless! But how could you do that to your sister?! Urgh! Useless police! Can't even find proper evidence!"
"Why are you like this!? Tsk, what a creepy, disgusting thing, ugh—I can't believe I birthed you!"
"—Brother… why do Mom and Dad hate you so much…?"
"Brother, I hate you! How could you do something so disgusting?!"
"—Hahahaha, aww, that's so funny, look at how mad Mom and Dad are! Nobody will believe you—ever. Give up; nobody will love you more than me~ my sweet, sweet David."
..
Recalling those words, David shuddered, looking at the ground, recalling the paper about a woman who, for years, framed her younger brother for inappropriate behaviors. A light chuckle escaped—just like my Hero, I got the last laugh, Bitch. And he finds me useful.
"David?" Alum calmly called out to the dazed boy.
"Oh, uh… my bad. Friend(servant), right?"
"Yes," Alum somewhat warmly smiled.
"…Right! I'll be your best friend(servant)!" Excitement fizzled in his chest.
"Mm…? No? Noel is my best friend," Alum coolly stated.
"…" David fell into silence. Did… I misunderstand something? He wondered.
Meanwhile—mm, I got a new friend today. Otherwise, he could've been a decent drudge, Alum chuckled.
"We should head back. This should be enough for today," Alum said, picking up the last cold fish. He turned and began to walk towards the others.
"…Sure."
David, however, paused. He took a deep breath and gazed over the glistening river. The warm, calm breeze soothed his skin. His hair danced in the wind like it was comforted by it—even his slightly uncomfortable, cold, and stingy hands throbbed in warmth. Somehow, even the smell of fish wasn't too bad.
Personally, I don't wish to go back, David thought. He tied the fish-filled jacket and threw it behind his back. His cool persona returned as he promptly ran to catch up to Alum.