I really hate mathematics. It is an abomination for a normal human like me to suffer dealing with numbers and symbols that I definitely wouldn't encounter in the afterlife. I do not intend to live longer, c'mon. Thoughts flashed like a bullet train inside your mind as you stared at your instructor, writing a formula. 'Haha..' It pains you to even glance at the writings on the board. Why is my schedule with mathematics on Saturdays anyway?
You let out a sigh.
Paying attention to this problem will definitely ruin my brain chemistry, and I still gotta prepare myself for later.
You still cannot process what happened the day before yesterday. It was unprecedented, which left you contemplating for how many hours looking like a lizard.
"Okay class, that's it for today. Let's have a quiz next meeting. Please bring your calculator, goodbye."
There's still 20 minutes until the bell rings, it seems like the instructor has something to do. Well, it works on my end. You arranged your things and made your way to the door.
—&—
In a vast forest covered with gigantic rows of which look like trees covered with purple mucus, seated a group of men. They are discussing something serious, creating the ominous air that surrounds them. Having a discussion for which eliminates the thought of a possible attack, they kept on going—not aware of the beast salivating above their heads.
"Did you hear? The boss had an argument with Spanx. It seemed like he was accusing him of betrayal"
"You believe that nepo baby? He always hated the boss since he does well better than him"
"My person knows that Boss didn't do it. Come on, we know him better than they do"
"I can't agree no more. He's someone who'll do anything but betray his peers"
They turned their head towards the other guy that is unusually silent, confusion written on their faces. His person jolted back to reality when he noticed their given attention. It took a minute for him to decipher their intention. They're asking for his thoughts.
"..Well, it is not like I believe Spanx. It's just that...the Boss' demeanor—his aura was different at that time"
"It was like.. he's a completely different person. He was asking generic and personal questions he was supposed to know. I was so confused"
"But it doesn't mean that he betrayed us. It was probably caused by inhaling hallucinogens while conducting the expedition." The other one reasoned out.
"Boss isn't easily affected by those. He is positioned on a higher strata so being affected by hallucinogens isn't a problem"
"There are cases of people with higher standing being affected by hallucinogens. Let's not rule out the fact that we're still lacking data"
"But still, it isn't rig—
Their argument came to a halt when a type of mucal substance started dripping from above. Realizing this, all of them slowly raised their heads. Positioned above them is the most horrifying beast a 'normal' person will ever see. A three meter, two-headed hairy boar with a long body similar to that of a scaly snake, slithering around on top of them.
"A Boraud Snake!"
Before the beast could attack, each of them raised their hands and placed their index and middle finger to their specific energy base; the temple, the chest, and the glabella—they are called Zeniahn. These parts contain the zenthial energy, where the Equilibrium is situated.
Everyone and everything in this world was born with those three, together with zenthial energy, but not everyone has the Equilibrium. It is a unique energy that separates them from normal organisms, for which the aforementioned, was granted by the cosmos and its constituents to those worthy and blessed—blessed and hardworking in every sense.
Although powerful, the Equilibrium can be strong and weak as it is dependent on the usage and adaptability of the zenthial energy and the protection of the Zeniahn core, together with how the cosmos respond and how the formers adapt to the bestowment. Each organism has three Zeniahn cores as stated; some cannot use it, some can only activate the zenthial energy, and lesser are the ones who struggle for the Equilibrium. This group of men managed to attain the latter. Although placed on the lower stratum, their advancement allowed them to at least enhance their preferred and chosen 'field'.
The Boraud Snake's sudden attack is equal to that of a bullet, however, one of the men is faster in activation. He spoke in accordance with his constellation's commandment, allowing the 'bestowment' to be properly executed.
Blue scales started to grow on his body, ripping his clothing and hardening his skin. His ears started to grow while the blue hue was starting to dye his ears and the skin around his eyes. Reflecting blue scales focused growing on his arms as he prepared to attack the incoming beast. This man was the one who noticed the Boss' abnormalities.
The other men were not in any way bothered by the beast, so they did not put in a lot of effort asking for support. Instead, they activated their zenthial energy to enhance their physical skills which lessened the chance of them being eliminated.
A group of blue stars flickered from above. It is the response of his constellation. He smiled greatly and attacked the beast confidently. The Boraud roared and faced him head on, not knowing the transformed man already predicted his victory. The response of one's constellation is equivalent to foretelling one's triumph.
With sharp blue scales injected to the Boraud's head—where his core is located— they became the victor. The beast tried to fight back, but its scaly tail is also futile against the skin of a bestowed man. After defeating the threat, his body came back to normal. He looked at its melting body.
"Looks like the parasitic fungus are doing their jobs well. They're scary as fuck, look at how they melt the meat and scales" his peer commented.
"Haha..The Boraud Snake, according to the newest data, has attained Equilibrium. We definitely would've put up a hard fight if their rules weren't met. Having bestowment is that powerful"
He couldn't agree more. Looking at his arm, he couldn't see a trace of those blue scales.
"Well, 'One shall know propriety in front of a cosmic presence' is our primal rule. No one doesn't know that line" he said.
"Let's report this to the Boss later. He said he had a prior engagement relating to Astralying. For now, let's go back. We might encounter another beast if we stay here any longer."
They arranged their scattered goods around the area and started walking on the pathway towards the outer plain. Similar time on their first step, the parasitic fungus devoured the three meter Boraud Snake leaving nothing but its trace.
—&—
With a dice in hand, the boredom of waiting for your clock to strike 10:00 pm vanished. Lounging on your one-sitter sofa—with a velvety deep red texture and silver outlines reflecting the light emitting inside your manor's living area— you entertained yourself by throwing the dice and predicting its course of direction. It rolled for how many times until it stopped, three black dots pointing upward. Really? An odd?
Well, experiencing all these oddities that's happening in my life, I'm not completely shocked. First, I was accused of betrayal of doing something I'm not aware of, second, that guy had to be the one to look after me? Gut-wrenching. Lastly, what the hell did I do to deserve a 1 month probation and 2 weeks in lockdown?! Ahh... Aren't I an immature adult? There's no point thinking about things that have happened. You continued playing with the dice.
Knock..knock..knock..
"Hahaha it seems like you prefer this kind of set up, Astreign."
His door unlocked revealing a black-clad person. Classic long windbreaker, black long sleeve with three unbuttoned holes—a preference of the wearer, a black trouser and a black party shoes. He then took off his coat then arranged it on the coat rack.
"Oh? What does the fancy and popular Verton Dismond want from this broken boss in distress?"
Verton chuckled at his remark. This guy is unarguably considered a handsome man with his partly sharp appearance. With his neck length ebony hair tied in a ponytail, a thick but clean eyebrows, a high nose bridge, a conspicuous mole under his glabella near his right eye, and his deep dimples appearing when he smiles; he definitely does not suffer and worry about being rejected by the ladies. Although he has all the good sides, Loran isn't in any way jealous. I'm as blessed as him.
"Well, can't I visit a friend? Haha, I'm worried about things you will possibly do while in lockdown."
He stopped playing with his dice. And what can I possibly do while in lockdown? I wouldn't kill myself, will I?
"Haist. Aren't you a caring friend? You're visiting me since you're 'worried'? Really. Just spit it out." Loran doesn't believe that his good ol' friend just came for courtesies and hellos. This guy definitely has something important to discuss that requires him to come personally. I'm pretty much sure that even if I'm found dead, this guy would just send a proxy to pay his visits.
"Welp, you figured me out. I do have some business to talk about with you." The man raised his hands and leisurely sat on a one-sitter sofa in front of him. He stared at you and sighed. Is the news that bad?
"...Viscount Milux invited you to come to his upcoming Soirée."
Haahh. This father and child tandem really knows how to get inside my skin.
"That's it? They want me to attend their monthly gathering of fake facades? How amusing."
They must really want to mortify me in front of the whole lot. I mean, the fact that Verton's the one that notified me, it simply means that it is the Big Boss' order. They must've blackmailed the Big Boss into submission. Well, as if.
"Well, it isn't the only reason why I'm personally telling you this,"
"The big boss wants you to not attend, as to not give much shame and attention to yourself."
He tilted his head to his left then rested his fist on his face while he was starting to sit comfortably.
"The boss also said that you are not to be affected by any provocation the Milux family will execute. Haha, dearest friend. It seems like the beatings Spanx got made him run towards his father like a li'l chick. You should be careful, they might consider hiring an assassin with a stronger Equilibrium to take care of you." Instead of making his friend feel a little better, Verton, who does not sugarcoat, made it worse for himself. Although as scary as it may sound, he is not in any way afraid. He thinks that they should be the one that's gotta be afraid of what's coming. He smiled mischievously.
"No, I'd rather attend. What will the noblemen think about my person, then? That I am afraid of a little misunderstanding? That I am running away like a dog with his tail in between his legs? That I am scared of the judgement? No. I do not wish to see them satisfied and feel like a victor just because I couldn't attend their 'Masking' party."
He certainly does not wish for them to feel satisfied by walking away from shame. I know the Big Boss was just trying to get me away from troubles, for which, I'm always good at making.
"Hah..This is the reason why. I told them that I, myself, cannot even convince you. Your skull is as hard as steel." He certainly cannot fathom how his friend can be this hardheaded.
"Thank you for the compliment," Loran didn't even bother to pay attention to his friend's gaze and just continued playing with the dice. Verton shook his head.
"So you really are coming to that party?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Is it possible for your decision to alter?"
"Not really."
Verton stared at him for a couple of minutes before standing up and clasping his hands.
"Fine, I'll tell the boss that you're not gonna change your mind. I support your decisions and shenanigans, just don't roast them too much hahahaha." Ah, what a friend he is.
"Well then, this is my calling. I have something to attend to so I gotta go. Arreviderci.." Verton stood up and took his wind breaker. He then made his way towards the door.
—&—
At exactly 5 pm, you stood in front of your whole body mirror waiting for the 'exchange' to occur. Suddenly, your world started to reel and a maniacal laugh came from your mouth.
"What a patient kid you are, Gunder."
Ah.. Here's the elder that got me overthinking.