No matter how much I train and make my body tough, a bullet in the head will result in instant death.
"Move and I'll pull the trigger." the man whom I can't see the face said.
I remained kneeling still, not making any subtle movements.
~What does he want?
Is he the same person who murdered my parents? If that's the case, then he's probably here to take my head too.
It's a do or die situation. It's either I die without putting up a fight, or fight and hope to beat all the odds despite the weapon disadvantage.
But still, he has his pistol close to my forehead. One swift move from me and it will alarm him to pull the trigger.
Fortunately, before I could decide to make a stupid action, the man spoke.
"I will spare your life under one condition."
His voice sounds soft, which tells me that he's around the same age as me.
But still, it's illegal at that age to get a gun; unless he's either corrupted or wealthy.
At any rate, he just stated that he's not after my head. That's a hint that he's not the person who killed my parents.
As of now, I should stay on my best behaviour to not aggravate this man who just wants something from me.
I carefully dropped the letter on the floor and slowly raised my hands.
He shuffled back so I couldn't reach his gun and prevent me from doing a swift counter-attack.
"If you want money, then you're in the wrong house… I'm broke." I said.
"If that's what I'm after, then I should've just barge into your house without using the doorbell."
"Fair point."
"Stand up," he ordered.
I obeyed his command and slowly stood up straight with my hands still raised.
His pistol followed my head, still pointing at me.
However, his finger was outside the trigger guard. So I know he's not intending to shoot.
I fixed my gaze at him and promptly noticed his extensively long, black hair that conceals his eyes.
~He looks familiar.
It only took me a second to finally recognize this man; it's the "7 of Clubs" —Aaron.
7 of Clubs is a ranking that is known to Aspro Academy. It's a ranking where the top 13 students from each class-years are ranked from 2 of Clubs up to the highest Ace of Clubs. Those top 13 students are known and referred to as Prime students. Prime students excels from the others in terms of skills and knowledge which made them respectable and unreachable.
Everybody desires to be one of the Primes as it benefits their influence. Which is why everyone is willing to get blood on their hand just to win, hence the students are prepared to do any means necessary just to become a pillar of the Primes.
Aaron is 7 of Clubs; so basically, he's one of the students who has the highest GWA. It's peculiar to see him wanting something from me.
Aaron rolled down his hoodie and finally introduced himself.
"I'm pretty sure you've heard of my name," he said.
To be honest, being a Prime student made him develop his name to be known and I'm quite familiar with him.
So I suppose I knew afew about his background.
"Yea, you're Aaron, 7 of Clubs. I know that much. But surely, you don't come here just to brag about your status."
"Just as I expected, you're quite fast to catch up. Frankly, I don't want my current status. I'd rather be anonymous and not attract the crowd. At any rate, I'll cut straight to the chase since I have no time to spare."
Aaron brought down his arms and slid his pistol back to his side pockets.
"I'm here to make friends with you and ask for your assistance to attain justice by killing the person who beheaded our parents," he said.
"Wait? OUR parents?"
"No, we're not siblings. What I mean is my parents were murdered three months ago, and the way they were executed was similar to your parents."
"So you're saying that the person who's responsible for your parents demise was the same person who slaughtered my parents?"
"Precisely."
"Then I'm down." I eagerly said with excitement of wanting vengeance in my tone. "Let's merge, Aaron, we'll get justice by ourselves if the police can't solve this case."
"I'm glad we're on the same page, Leo. However, we still have to figure out who's the murderer. Not to worry though, I've got intels."
~How did he know my name? I never introduced myself, so maybe he's watching me from the very beginning.
"That's good. Tell me about it." I said.
"Apparently, they were called the 'Independent Human Project."
"They? Does that mean we're after a whole fraternity?"
"Not really. Independent Human Project is a corporation wherein they create independent individuals by making them by-themselves. Hence they murdered their test subjects' parents to awaken individualism in those innocent people." Aaron said. "Truth is, that illegal corporation has a myriad of specimens and most of them failed because they commit suicide due to the overwhelming depression and trauma. Up until now, there are about 6 individuals that are currently under trial—that includes us."
"That corporation seems powerful."
"Indeed. But we don't have to destroy all of them to get revenge. There's only one person we have to kill, and he's the one who started all of this silent chaos. The founder of the Independent Human Project, we'll send him to his grave. And we're close to discovering the truth. Based on some key details, all specimens of that corporation were students from Aspro Academy, so I'm certain that the orchestrator is someone inside the academy.
"Why don't you check the storage building? There's some significant information the school contained there." I suggested. "You're a Prime student, so you won't have a hard time passing through the securities."
Aaron enthusiastically grinned. "I was right to team up with you. Okay, I'll check it out tomorrow. You should also return to school if you want to pursue this revenge plan, or else you'll get expelled."
"Fine." I yawned. "I'm going to sleep now. Just close the door when you leave."
I turned around and began walking back to my bedroom.
"By the way, let's have another meeting on Friday at the academy's comfort room. I'll see you there after class." Aaron said.
"Sure." I replied as I waddled away.
I then sprawled to my bed and instantaneously fell sound asleep.
~I'm not actually sleepy. I just pretended I was to cut the boring dialogues.
~~~~~
Thursday, 7:48am.
My class is probably starting, and I just woke up.
~Maybe I was actually sleepy last night. It's Aaron's fault for visiting me in the middle of the night as if he was Batman.
I dressed up and called an Uber which arrived almost immediately after I called. I'm a top priority since I'm an Aspro student, so their service was fast.
I arrived at the academy by 8am flat. I sprinted down the cemented yard, then through the silent corridor of one building and finally reached my classroom
I slid the door open with a bang, distracting everyone's attention in the classroom.
Sir Santiago was standing in the front with a pile of boxes next to him. Inside the boxes was a big backpack that looked like a camping bag. He was busy distributing a backpack to each one of my classmates when they all were interrupted by me.
"I thought you'd passed away." Sir Santiago smirked. "You're late! Take your seat!" Then he yelled.
He had a sudden mood swing, from hitting a joke to barking at his impulse.
The whole class has their eyes on me. It wasn't embarrassing to be late and be stared at, because no one seemed to care. They're all just silently watching me as I calmly walk over to my seat.
Sir Santiago paused from cutting the tape seal of the boxes.
"I'll only say it one last time, every action you commit will affect your good moral ratio. There are punishments for neglecting the school guidelines, though you may not feel the effects of it, you'll be just surprised that you're getting expelled one day."
He then continued cutting the boxes open and gave each of us one backpack. When he's done distributing all of it to us, a couple of janitors snuck inside the classroom and carried the trash boxes out of the classroom.
"I have already explained what this backpack is for, if you happen to mishear it or are not able to hear it at all, then it's your problem. Just remember, everything we educate you about is an important asset you should not disregard."
Sir Santiago is giving away some hints, if I listen carefully to his words, I can somehow relate to and understand what he means. In short, every little thing we undertake has a purpose, let alone the silent class sessions has some implementable purpose.
Sir Santiago went to the teacher's seat. After the homeroom guidance has concluded, the class of doing nothing has begun.
At any rate, I don't have an inkling about the purpose of this empty camping bag we just received. Maybe that's one reason I should avoid being late. This is my return and I'm already being ignorant, I'd better fix this issue at lunchtime.
If this goes on, my good moral ratio will plummet and I'll be expelled. However, I've already set the plan to reset my ratio and not get expelled.
After a few hours, the dull class session ended. It's finally lunchtime, and now is the time to befriend my male classmates.
Marco's circle of friends seemed to be gullible, they're the perfect target.
But before I even made my approach, they went to me first.
"You're Leo, right?" Marco asked.
I was still sitting when he struck up a question. Clyde was standing next to Marco and another bulked guy was with them. They were in position in front and beside my desk.
"Bro, what happened to you? You're absent for three weeks straight, you could get expelled from that." Marco remarked.
"Have I? I suppose I was sick." I said.
"You're sick for three freakin weaks?! Yo bro, you sure that's not cancer?"
"Hey Marco, don't speak like that, let's understand Leo's condition." Clyde said.
Marco scratched his scalp, "Ehh? Drop the formalities." He sat on the chair in front of me and swiveled it facing me. "We're best buddies, right, Leo?"
He seemed to be forceful, I guess I have to play along in order to achieve the treasure they call 'friendship'.
"Uh… yea~"
"Heard that, Clyde? We're buddies."
"Wha-what? But, I became friends with Leo before you do." Clyde said timidly.
"Oh? Since when?"
"We've been friends for nearly a month."
The muscle dude next to them intervened by taking a step forward and outstretched his arms, gesturing a handshake.
"I don't wanna be left out, let's be friends, brother. I'm Liam." the guy that has a body-builder physique said.
He has a jacked chest and bald head. He seems to be the man who'd you always saw at the gym.
I shook his hands and we became friends as simple as that. I have made three friends so far, I wonder how much more meat shields I could acquire.
"I have a suggestion, let's go to the gym and workout." Liam proposed.
So he's not just a person who loves going to the gym, he's also a certified gym rat.
Clyde gulped, "You mean right now? I'm not good at lifting weights."
"C'mon brother, this is the perfect time for a vigorous workout, there's a private gym inside this academy."
"Meh… I'm not in the mood for exercise either, let's go to the comlab instead." Marco proposed.
"Yes, I agree with Marco, I'd rather go to the comlab." Clyde sided onto Marco.
"That's two votes for comlab, so where'd ya wanna go, Leo?" Marco asked.
"Uh… Are you asking for my opinion?"
"Of course not, you dumbass. Not just an opinion, but a considerable decision, because you're coming with us, so choose wherever you want to go." Marco said.
"Oh okay, I want to go to the library then."
"Woah! That's a wonderful suggestion brother!" Liam exclaimed. "I heard that Gena is the new librarian there."
"Yea, I'd love to go there too, I'm almost done reading the novella I'm currently on so I was planning to borrow a new one." Clyde switched sides.
"Ehh…" Marco grunted, "Are you sure you wanted there? Anyways, since it's the majority, then I guess I'll go too."
Then, Marco looked over to Jacob who was casually sitting on his seat and busy on his phone.
"Hey Jacob, we're going to the library, wanna go?" Marco invited Jacob.
Jacob turned off his phone.
"Yea, let's g-"
Jacob was interrupted speaking when Selene, who appeared out of nowhere, grabbed him by his wrist.
"Excuse me, if you don't mind, can I borrow Jacob this lunchtime?" she said with a kind beam.
Marco was distressed as he gaze at Selene's hand holding Jacob.
But Selene asked for it courteously. Turning down a cute girl's request would make Marco look rude.
It's visible that Marco has a huge crush on Selene, but he kept his feelings dry and just reluctantly agreed.
"Yea, sure."
"Much appreciated." Selene gave Marco a cute smile.
"No biggie."
Selene then dragged Jacob out to somewhere, still holding him by his wrist as they walked out of the classroom.
The disgruntled Marco turned upbeat, "Did you guys see that, she smiled at me, ehehehe~"
"Wow Marco, that's a milestone, should we go celebrate for that?" Clyde asked.
"Definitely, let's go to the mall after class today. Let's buy some stuff for the trip next week. And because I'm in a good mood, everything we shopped is on me." Marco replied.
"Wait, what trip are you talking about?" I asked cluelessly.
"Oh right, you were late earlier so you didn't know. Alright, I guess I'll just explain it to you then—all clubs students will be going to an island next week for a sweet vacation and we're allowed to bring anything we want as long as it could fit in the bag that Sir gave us earlier." Marco said.
Finally, I have successfully squeezed out the information I was after. So that's the purpose of the bag. But a vacation with the school? That sounds too good to be true. It's too fishy, so I guess I'll take some precautions.
"We can discuss that later, brothers. Let's go to the library right now." Liam said.
"Oh? You're not the guy who likes books, Liam. Or is it that you're itching to flirt with the Queen of clubs." Marco teased.
"Of course, she's the only reason why I wanted to go there. Her duty was only during lunchtime and I can't miss it."
"Okay then, if you were to choose between Gena and Selene, who'd you pick?" Marco asked.
Liam folded his arms and began reflecting over the question. "That's quite a controversial question, brother. But, Selene and Gena have a major difference except their beauty—Selene was like an angel and I can't think of her while I'm jerking off, it seems like a sin to think of her while fapping on my bed, meanwhile, Gena has a different appeal, she's gorgeous and hot, and she's my favorite fapping material. But between those two, only one stands out for me and It's Gena, I wanna marry her."
It's a bit delusional of Liam to perceive those women as a potential wife. At any rate, it's not illegal to fantasise once in a while. There's nothing wrong with dreaming about his self-created perception.
"Bro, I know that their beauty was equal and they broke the scale, but you can't just turn your back to Selene, we all know she's the best girl." Marco said.
There seems to be an argument going on with them about who's the best girl. However, we must acknowledge everyone's preferred type of girl or features. Opinions will always be one-sided—opinion is just an interpretation of an individual's perspective.
"Clyde!" Marco called out in a haste, "Who do you think is more attractive?"
"...Huh, Me? Don't involve me with your disputes."
"Just pick one."
"Okay… In my opinion, I think I'll go with Selene."
"And you, Leo?" Marco involved me.
Thinking of it, Gena definitely has the figure of an ideal girl, and on top of that, she's the current Queen of clubs and a class-A student. In short, she's ranked number 3 among all the first year students. However, I can't deny Selene's kindness and for that, "Selene." I answered.
"Fine, Selene is clearly the winner, but you guys gotta admit, Gena is also a goddess." Liam said.
"Yeah, if Selene didn't exist, Gena would probably be the best girl. Anyways, let's go see her in the library." Marco said.
And with that, we went to the library.
Before we went there, I took out the book "Whispers and the Roars" that I borrowed last time and never returned. I'm sure gonna get in trouble for not returning this book.
The four of us walked together while having pointless chats until we arrived at the library.
"Woah! I didn't know that the library was crowded." Liam exclaimed.
"Shh… quiet down muscle dude, we're in the library." Marco hissed.
We went to a vacant table by the corner where we had a good view at the hot librarian.
Marco and Liam are talking about their delusions in a low voice.
"Bro, she's so hot… I might go here every lunch just to see her."
"Told ya, brother, she's gorgeous."
The librarian's name is Gena Razon, for the most part, she's the Queen of Clubs and famous for it. She has long, silky blonde hair and sharp eyes with narrow eyebrows. She's presumptuous, cold, and has a sadistic personality. But despite her nefarious characteristics, it's the main reason why many male students are infatuated with her.
Maybe the male student's projection of a dominant woman is somewhat hot, but to me, I find it cute.
Liam swivelled his chair closer to me and whispered, "Hey brother, want me to return that book you have?"
Clyde overheard it and softly said, "You can't do that, Liam. Leo borrowed it so he's the one obliged to return it."
"Yeah, give Leo a chance on Gena, Liam, don't be self-centered." Marco murmured.
"Sure." Liam said with a smile, and then he yeeted me out of my seat.
"Go, Leo. Hit on em." Marco said
"We're rooting for you." Liam added.
I was forced to play along, and it'd be shameful to go back to my seat like a coward.
I advanced a little towards the counter and looked back at Marco's table.
But they just give me a wink and thumbs-up. What the hell am I supposed to do?
At the end of the day, I need to return this book, so it's better to do it now rather than later. Let's just say that they impelled me to spice things up.
I proceed walking to the counter and just stand there, watching Gena busy reading a book.
Her legs were crossed, sitting comfortably. Her blazer was propped over her should with her arms outside the sleeves as she read the book. From where I'm currently standing at, I could see the cover of the book she was reading; "Dead Stars." by Paz Marquez Benitez.
I hit the bell on the ledge and with a ding, I said, "Umm… I'd like to return this book."
The undisturbed librarian slides to the next page of the book.
Ringing the bell indicates a request for assistance, but this librarian is deliberately ignoring me.
It's peculiar how she's in charge of the library with this attitude.
I repeatedly hit the bell, maybe it'll get her attention.
And after some clicks, it worked, but it didn't last long.
The exasperated librarian finally acknowledged my existence, she gave me a death stare for a few seconds, then rolled her eyes and got back to reading.
~What an ill-mannered response.
"I-" I was about to say something when all of a sudden, phone notifications resounded through the entire library.
All of the student's phones in the library rang a notification sound all at once.
Even my phone rang.
We all drew out our phones and opened the text message.
The source of the message was the school department. As I read the message, I realized that the chaos had begun.