Misa – "I'm not human. I'm also a lower-class spirit. We are in danger, and we need your help."
Mike leaned back, unimpressed. "Interesting enough, but I decline your offer."
Misa's expression remained unreadable. "You're the only one who can stop Infinity from taking over Controlium."
Mike raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I just decline?"
Misa – "Nobody knows Infinity's real identity. Mars is the leader of Controlium, and about 15 years ago, he received a letter from Infinity stating that after 20 years, he will reveal himself. On that day, he will start ruling over Controlium. We will be tortured."
Mike sighed. "Are you deaf?"
Misa smirked slightly. "Who knows?"
Mike exhaled through his nose, tilting his head. "Let's see… why does he want to rule over Controlium? They're just a shitty lower class of spirits."
(Next day at school)
Smith stormed up to Mike, his face red with anger.
Smith – "What do you think you are?"
Mike – "70% water, 18% protein, 12% other things."
Smith's fists clenched. "Shut up! You think you're better than everyone?"
Mike smirked. "Nope, I think I'm better than you."
Smith – "Shut up! If you really have guts, meet me at the ground in the evening. Let's see who's better."
Mike – "Everyone has an alimentary canal in their body, a.k.a., guts."
Smith – "Youuuu... We'll see."
(In the evening, at the school ground)
The entire student body had gathered, eager for the fight. Smith arrived, flanked by his gang, while Mike stood alone, waiting. He cracked his knuckles, a look of sheer boredom on his face.
Mike – "Pathetic. Nonetheless, it'll be a nice workout."
Smith smirked. "First of all, Lucas."
Lucas stepped forward—a tall guy with thick muscles, a reputation for brute strength. Fear flickered in the eyes of the spectators, but Mike remained still, watching.
Lucas swung a powerful punch. Mike dodged effortlessly and countered with a precise kick to the liver. Lucas collapsed instantly. Without missing a beat, Mike turned and struck Smith, following up with a sharp kick to his head. The remaining two gang members hesitated—then bolted, vanishing into the crowd.
Smith groaned but forced himself up, his movements slow and shaky. His hand slipped into his pocket. A glint of metal.
Mike's eyes narrowed. A knife.
Smith lunged, but before he could attack, a sudden, eerie presence filled the air. Out of nowhere, Mars materialized, his red eyes glowing.
Smith froze. A guttural, inhuman sound echoed in his ears. His body seized up. Then—darkness.
Smith collapsed, unconscious.
Mike watched for a second before turning and walking away.
From the shadows, Misa had been observing the entire scene.
(Later that night)
Mike had just reached home when his phone buzzed. A breaking news alert flashed on the screen.
Smith is dead.
His breath hitched. He barely had time to process the information before his door burst open. Police stormed inside, their faces grim. Hours of interrogation followed.
Then, a heavy silence fell as the front door creaked open once more. Smith's father stepped in, his hands shaking as he raised a shotgun.
Mike barely had time to react.
Boom!
The shot rang out.
Pain exploded in his skull. His body staggered, the world spinning before everything went dark.
Mike was trembling as he wandered alone through the forest, his mind disoriented. The night air felt thick, suffocating. He stumbled forward, eventually arriving at the entrance of a crimson-colored cave. Something about it felt eerily familiar.
He stepped inside.
At the end of the cave, a shadowy figure stood waiting.
Mars: "Congratulations! You died! Welcome to hell. I'm giving you the lower class of spirits. Welcome to Controlium!"
Mike blinked. Then, a slow smirk formed on his lips.
Mike (in mind) – Finally.