I called out to the 2E Adviser and she immediately noticed me. Unlike Mr. Fabula, she stood up from the teacher's table and approached me
Unfortunately, seeing her doesn't make me happy at all
"What?"
When she approached in front of me, she asked in an annoyed tone. In comparison to the previous classroom where the students are gossiping and talking quite loudly, the students in this classroom is eerily quiet
It just goes to show how this adviser manage her section
"I would like to speak to Erica Berin, Ms. Dubla"
This is Ms. Dubla, a quite special teacher and almost every student hated her. Not just second graders, but the entire grade school students
The hatred mostly came from her unfair treatment of everyone in terms of grades. She gives very low grades to the point that a lot of students were almost failing
There was one time that she gave Eliseo a grade of 85 when all his other subjects were 94 and up. That is the Reading subject
In this year, Language and Reading were different subjects but it was later changed by the Department of Education, or DepEd, to combine both subjects and make it the English subject
Of course, I was also a victim of this treatment, not only in grades, but as my right as a student during the fourth grade
She often puts students outside the classroom with their seats and supplies and listen to her teachings beyond the wall
There was even a point where she needed a volunteer to sit outside or else she will deduct points in grades for whatever reason
This behavior was called out by a lot of parents and she was eventually fired when I was at sixth grade. It was long overdue that it was rumored she had a backing that allowed her to stay in this school for a while before getting fired
Good thing that our batch Valedictorian survived her treatment. Perhaps Ms. Dubla gave her special treatment and favoritism that she managed to survive
Even then, our batch Valedictorian were also hated her since she wasn't blind at Ms. Dubla's harsh treatment of every student
Even now, I get pretty annoyed when looking at her face. She has a face that always looks at anyone like they are insects or filth
'Fate Stability Meter: 1%'
Even then, I have to hide my annoyance since she's not what I came for here
"Why do you want to speak to her? What do you need?"
"I just have to talk to her privately, teacher"
"Why privately? Are you her boyfriend or something? Is she your girlfriend?"
What a weird thing to say considering our age. She even asked it in a malicious way
"No, teacher, it's just I have something to say to her"
"Huh, why not say it to her after class or at recess? Why now?"
I mean, she has a point. Why now and not later? Of course I have a reason, but there's no reason to tell her that
"Well, it hasn't to be now, I'll come back later"
"Hey, why are you backing off now?"
"I have to respect your decision"
"But I haven't told you to leave though?"
My eyebrows twitched. I'm starting to get way more annoyed, but I have to endure and not cause a scene at this moment
"I should--"
"Alright, come here, I'll allow you to speak to her"
She immediately grabbed my wrist and pulled me inside her classroom. We stepped on the platform, under the blackboard and we were in front of the whole 2E class
She let go of my wrist and left at the center of the platform. She sat down next to the teacher's table and crossed her legs
"Class! Listen up, Philip here has something to say. He wants to talk to Erica so let's hear what he has to say"
Ms. Dubla declared to the class and since everyone was silent, their attention were immediately caught. Some of them glanced towards Erica and towards me
Erica has short hair and long bangs. She slightly lowered her head from pure embarrassment as she tucked her hands under the table
I saw this reaction and I giggled internally
In my previous life, I found out that she harbored romantic feelings towards me until we became companions on our adventure to enter the [Room or Rooms]
However, nothing came out of that because she never pursued it. She saw that I was happy with Tenshi
The others tried to persuade her in becoming one of my wives, but she refused because she respects everyones boundaries
Eventually, she became together with the person who saved her from another dimensions and brought her back to Earth
She's very nice and kind, too kind for her own good, but her power was very devastating that out of my many companions, she is the least expected person to be able to give me a hard time
I remember her having ruby red eyes. It was so beautiful that I am mesmerized every time I see it
I kinda wanted to see it today, but wasn't able to after Ms. Dubla refused to let me speak with her privately. I couldn't see her eyes from here since she's sitting at the second most back row of the classroom
However, in this case, I should be able to see it after using 『 Eye Vision 』, but her bangs are blocking the way
"Philip, you may start"
Ms. Dubla urged me to start speaking and I slightly tilted my head to look at her with a stink eye
The students that are in front of me wete also worried, but curious. They also feel bad for me since I was put on the spot like this
If I was an ordinary kid in second grade, this would leave trauma to me. Over 40 judging eyes that are looking at me, non-existent voices that are gossiping about me, and many more school trauma events
Fortunately, I'm not a kid in mind and this is nothing to me
I looked at Erica once again
'Scan'
=====
Erica Berin
Age: 7
Level: 1
Exp: 0/10
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Stamina: 1
Traits:
[ Forced Timidity ], [ Extra Determination ], [ Specific Decisiveness ], [ Ultra Spatial Awareness]
Abilities:
『 Sparkling Vision 』🔒
Status:
Shy
Embarrassed
Increased Timidness
Dimensionally Alligned
=====
'Fate Stability Meter: 95%'
I saw Erica's status and it is what I would expect. I just didn't expect that she already has these traits and statuses at her current age
This means that from the start, her fate has already been decided and someone has already chose her
I know this
Just like the World Gods of other worlds where they choose their heroes to save their world from their Demon Lord based on their innate potential, Erica is the same and she is a hero candidate
However, she met a tragic end and she was sealed in a different dimension, constantly suffering
It is my job or responsibility to save her without consequences, because the person who saved her suffered from the after effects of that dimension and died from [Rift Cancer] as we called it
When his body couldn't endure the cancer, he turned into a rift that served as a portal for monsters to cross through
Erica had to kill him herself in order to preserve the world we were in. Only she is capable in doing so because of her power
If I had the choice to close the rift, I would've, but I don't have the key to close it while Erica does
When she was successful, her power evolved towards the sinister path because of the despair of her love dying and no remains left behind
She had two paths of her power evolving, one is more powerful than the other. The enlightened path disappeared when the sinister path was enhanced
I remember her howling and crying at the top of the spawning platform from where the rift was before. We let her be for a while until she calmed down
It was a good thing her power didn't go out of control, because if it did, it will cause a disaster worse than the monster rift
While reminiscing the past of the future, my eyes landed on her [Abilities] section
'Sparkling Vision??? Huh???'
This was news to me. From remembering the past, I never seen an ability coming from her eyes, it was all from her heart or hands and feet
What surprised me the most is the fact that she has an ability now. No ordinary person in this world would have an ability until the transition of Mystical Age whenever they awaken their hidden power or earn them
Fortunately, her ability is locked and even though I'm curious, I won't be unlocking that for her for various reasons
I'm not sure how would I would be able to unlock abilities, unlike traits, abilities would definitely need some sacrifice. A part of me also wants her to unlock it by herself
I'm impressed. Eliseo and Kurt doesn't have any abilities nor any people that I have scanned so far, yet she has a locked ability
Makes me wonder the true identity of the being that's controlling her strings. I never learned it in my previous life after all since she couldn't remember who was controlling her before she got sealed
"Philip! Don't waste our time and speak to her already! Stop staring at her!"
Ms. Dubla shouted, breaking my trance and thoughts. I've been staring at Erica for a few seconds after all and the students are looking at us with playful eyes
I looked at Ms. Dubla with a stink eye again and she caught that
"Hey! Why are you looking at me like that? Do you want to get in trouble?"
My left eyebrows raised suddenlt. I could've believe that this person became a teacher of grade school students by the way she acts
It was like she's picking a fight with a kid like an unruly gangster or punk
I couldn't even remember that she acted this way in my previous life. I never realize how truly bad it was
But even if I was annoyed, I ignored her provocations and stepped down the platform. I walked towards Erica and she became even more shy and timid
Like Kurt, this is also the first time we are personally meeting. We would've met at fourth grade during our intersection class activities
"Hey!"
Ms. Dubla slammed her hand on the teacher's table to catch my attention. Every was startled and shocked from the loud sound
I still ignored her and came next to Erica. I raised my hand and reached it towards her head
Erica flinched as she closed her eyes tightly and jerked her body inwards with her hand cleched together next to her chest
As my hand went closer, my fingers moved into a gesture as if I'm about to pick something
My hand stopped midair, just above Erica's head. I pulled my hand and I looked like I was pulling something, but in reality, there's nothing
The students that were watching were confused while Ms. Dubla is already seething in anger
She quickly stomped forwards and approach me
'I have to hurry...'
I waved my hand to the side in a fluid motion. The golden string the I can see from the [Toggle Fate Lines] also waved in a fluid motion
This particular fate line is thicker than the rest that are stretching above Erica's head
I exactly know where this particular fate line leads to. The being that has selected Erica, the one who manipulated her, and the one who sealed her
I extended my left finger in front of me and quickly wrapped the golden string around it. I swiftly made a knot and created a ribbon. I tugged each end to make sure it was secure and it was pretty tight
The students that were watching me were very confused. I bet in their eyes, I look crazy and needed to go to the mental hospital
My back is turned away at Ms. Dubla so she didn't see what I was doing as she approached me
Meanwhile, Erica was mesmerized while watching me. I saw a glimpse of her eyes and it was different from what I expected
Her eyes are not ruby red yet, it's dark red, almost maroon in color. The tint of red is very hard to see and her eye color could be mistaken as brown. However, my eyes couldn't miss that
I let go of the knotted fate string and patted her head two times. Erica was surprised as she flinched when I did so
"Hey! Why are you ignoring me?!"
At this point, Ms. Dubla arrived and swiped my right hand and pulled it forcefully. Of course it hurt the joint around my shoulder, but I should be able to endure with 7 stat values in stamina
I didn't even grunt in pain
"You're already so disrespectful, huh?! I gave you a chance to talk to your girlfriend yet you do this in front of me?!"
Erica was surprised from Ms. Dubla's words and her classmates got an idea to start rumors
"C'mon, you're going to the principal's office and be reprimanded for your actions! Maybe you'll even be put in guidance counselling"
She began to walk while she was dragging me by my arm. Kids my age would be traumatized and pull their weight by sitting down in fear
But I obediently followed and was able to match her pace with my stats
"..."
Silly girl. She even tried to quicken her pace so I could be left behind and have a hard time
I looked behind me and I saw 2E students looking back at me, including Erica, while the others that I couldn't see at an angle already converged towards Erica and placed her in a hot seat
'I'm sorry Erica'
I apologized to her in my head
On the other hand, Ms. Dubla kept dragging me and we passed by 2D section and everyone saw me, including Mr. Fabula
The front and back double doors of all classrooms are wide open after all. In this year, the school couldn't afford air-conditioning and maintenance yet. They don't even have CCTVs along the hallways, only in important offices and cashiers
I followed with no problems, but Mr. Fabula went out of the door to see me with worry
He wasn't able to follow and interject though, it's Ms. Dubla's business after all and only their higher ups could intervene
We reached the stairs and climbed down in big and fast strides that a second grader wouldn't be able to follow
'This bitch... Is she intending me to trip and fall and get injured??'
I was slightly angry at this point. If I could, I would drag her down the stairs myself or just jump from the middle hole of the spiral staircase with my stats
I mean, I could, but I shouldn't, so I let her do her thing
We arrived at the first floor and passed my own classroom
"Is that Philip?"
"Philip??"
"What happened to him?"
Of course, my classmates noticed me and the Mrs. Altez
She immediately stood up from the teacher's table and went outside the classroom to follow us
She instantly caught up because the Principal's office is just next to our classroom
Ms. Dubla has already called to the Asst. Principal to call the Principal
"Ms. Dubla, what happened to Philip?"
"Huh? Oh! He trespassed in our classroom and he completely ignored my warnings while he did whatever he want with his girlfriend"
"What?!"
Mrs. Altez was shocked. She then looked down at me while Ms. Dubla is still holding my arm
"Is that true, Philip??"
Mrs. Altez asked with compassion
I looked at her with firm eyes
"No--"
"Hey!"
Ms. Dubla jerked my arm and she slightly bent down to match my eye level, but she's still higher than me to assert dominance by looking down on me
She then firmly pointed her index finger at me and her eyes were seething with anger
I want to punch her so badly
"Don't lie!! Do you know what happens if you lie?! You'll get punished and your parents will be called over! Do you want that?!"
I really want to punch her. She's pissing me the fuck off
"..."
I didn't reply to her, but they took this silence as fear since I'm still a kid. This is what Ms. Dubla intended also
"We don't have to go that far"
Mrs. Altez tried to defend me
"We have to punish him. He's already know for his naughty tendencies and he's not getting in trouble. I'm the only one with the initiative to bring him in!"
"..."
Mrs. Altez was shutdown. Compared to Ms. Dubla, Mrs. Altez is kinder and she can't handle Ms. Dubla's attitude
Eventually, the Asst. Principal came out the door and urged us to come inside the Principal's Office. Mrs. Altez was also called in since she's my adviser
~~~
We entered the Principal's Office and everything's mostly white. The desk is painted brown and there are fern plants at the corners
There's a couch next to the door and two cushioned seats in front of the desk. The Principal's table contains typical office items and her namecard
[Principal Rosa Soledad Veniegas Santos]
Our principal is very old, her age is 84. Despite her age, she is very wise and kind, if I remember correctly
Our assistant principal is also quite old at 60 years old. He's Mr. Dela Cruz
Ms. Dubla and I sat on the cushioned seats while Mrs. Altez and Mr. Dela Cruz sat in the couch
"What seems to be the problem here?"
Mrs. Santos asked in a calm tone
"This boy trespassed in our classroom despite me not allowing his entry. He ignored me and entered anyways. Then he talked to his girlfriend while ignoring my warnings. I then dragged him here to report his behavior"
"You dragged him here?"
"Ah, no! It was gentle"
Mrs. Santos had her eyebrow raised and glanced towards me
"Oh yes, she dragged me very gently and she didn't try to quicken her pace at all so I could fall behind and have a hard time. That didn't happen at all. Even down the stairs. Not at all!"
"!!!" (Dubla)
"...!" (Altez)
"...?" (Dela Cruz)
"...?!" (Santos)
Everyone had different actions from my speech, but surprise is the most abundant
Sarcasm
It is a manner of speech that should be almost impossible for a second grader to pull off, unless it was learned and taught precisely
Even if it was sarcasm, this would plant a seed in Mrs. Santos and Mr. Dela Cruz's judgements
"Anyways, is what Ms. Dubla said true?"
Mrs. Santos asked me with caution
"..."
I looked at Ms. Dubla and she was glaring at me with rage. Mr. Dela Cruz noticed this
"Like I said, it's not true at all..."
"Stop lying! Do you want to get reprimanded from lying?"
Ms. Dubla shouted despite being in the presence of the principal and assistant principal. She's not watching her attitude at all
This would just confirm that there's someone powerful that's backing her for the school to hesitatingly remove and fire her
"How am I lying? Do you have proof of me lying? Who's to say that I'm lying and not you? You know there would be several witnesses to that?"
Proofs and Evidences
Although a second grader would present an argument like this as their defense mechanism for when they did something wrong and there's no proof of it, the way I was speaking was not normal for a second grader
"I already said what have to say. He should be punished for trespassing, disrespect, and public display of attention. Add loitering to that as well because I believe he wasn't allowed to come to my room without permission, am I right Mrs. Altez?"
Ms. Dubla glanced at Mrs. Altez
"I gave him permission to go the comfort room, but it's outside of my control at that point"
"Even then, he's still loitering because he had no business in
coming to my classroom!"
"Hold on, Ms. Dubla, we can't rush this process because you said so"
Mrs. Santos interjected
"But the students are waiting for me, it's already the bell"
"No, you stay there"
'Is she trying to run away?'
*Knock knock knock*
Someone knocked on the door
"Come in!"
All our eyes shifted to the door and Mrs. Santos permitted entry
The door opened and Mr. Fabula entered