Chereads / “THE END OF THEM” / Chapter 14 - chapter 14

Chapter 14 - chapter 14

Stanley stood by as he watched Cara stitch Akin's wound.

"So, do you finally admit to being an Inn?" Stanley asked with his usual cheerful tone, glancing at Akin.

"Is this really the time for that?" Cara retorted, turning to give Stanley an exasperated look as he sat grinning in his chair.

"Just ignore him," she muttered, focusing back on Akin.

She was concerned about how Akin might handle his identity being exposed, even though she knew Inns are dangerous, cruel, savages and powerful.

"It doesn't matter if I'm an Inn or not," Akin said, his gaze hardening. "The only thing I feel for those creatures is hatred—for what they did to the orphanage."

Akin's expression darkened, anger burning in his eyes as memories of Lady Lisa, his mother figure, and Lotanna's death filled his mind. "And that's why I'll be the one to wipe them out from our world."

Cara sensed an ominous aura from Akin just as his wound began to heal on its own.

"Ah, I see—his anger fuels his power," Cara thought, watching in surprise as her stitches became unnecessary.

"aiming for the extinction of your own race? You're certainly one of a kind."

"I guess so," Akin replied, shrugging slightly.

"Alright then," Stanley said, standing up from his chair with a smile. "Let's get started. Bring her in."

"Bring who in?"

Akin looked slight confused as to who was coming in. 

Then he froze, eyes widening in shock at the sight of Kalè walking in, holding a white sword.

"Ghost girl?!" Akin blurted out, clearly surprised.

"Please refrain from calling me that. My name is Kalè," she replied calmly, though there was a cold edge to her tone.

She was visibly irritated, as if tired of being mistaken for a ghost at first sight.

"Hey, can't help it, you just look—" Akin began, but his words trailed off as Kalè shot him a silent, threatening glare.

"Please, just stop with that name!" Kalè thought, exasperated by the nickname.

"Sorry!" Akin muttered, looking slightly nervous under her intense stare.

Cara, watching from the side, couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. She'd also thought Kalè looked ghostly at first.

"So… she doesn't like being called that," Cara mused, observing Kalè's reaction.

"This sword should be sufficient for him, Stan," came a voice from behind Kalè. Chief Chris stepped forward, holding a black sword and handing it to Stanley.

"If it isn't my favorite chief, in the building!" Stanley said cheerfully, taking the sword and passing it to Akin.

"Quit it, Stan. You know the chief isn't a fan of your goofy personality," Cara interrupted, giving Stanley a cold look.

"Really?" Akin muttered, taking the sword from Stanley.

"That's because Chief Chris isn't exactly a fun guy," Stanley replied with a grin as Chief Chris walked out of the room.

Meanwhile, Akin examined the sword in his hand, feeling an odd sensation pulse through him.

"Does this have something to do with me being an inn?" he wondered, momentarily tuning out Stanley's chatter.

He glanced over at Kalè and her white sword. She looked perfectly calm, and he couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same strange energy he did.

Just then, Stanley clapped loudly beside his ear, continuing to joke about Chief Chris.

"He's such a buzzkill," Stanley added, chuckling.

"Seriously? He just finds your personality bothersome to his peace of mind!" Cara said sternly, crossing her arms as she watched Stanley's antics with disapproval.

"See? Just like this one over here," Stanley pointed at Cara with a playful smirk. "Always serious!"

"Alright, I think it's time for you to teach your students, Stan!" Cara said, giving Stanley a sharp look, fully aware of his tendency to avoid his duties.

"Always so bossy, like she's my mother or something," Stanley muttered with a sigh.

Meanwhile, Akin and Kalè observed the exchange with mild amusement.

"What a guy. Probably even the strongest here," Akin thought, impressed by Stanley's relaxed attitude despite his strength.

Watching Stanley and Cara bicker reminded him of his own banter with Lotanna. Without thinking, he asked, "Is she like your sister or something?"

Before either could answer, Kalè interrupted, clearly over the scene. her tone calm but firm. "Can you please teach us, if you two don't mind my interruption?"

"She's right," Akin added, snapping out of his curiosity about Stanley and Cara's dynamic.

"Then again why is she always so polite."

Akin looked at kalè looking at Cara and Stanley with her usual lack of expression face.

"See, even your students are already over you," Cara smirked.

Stanley sighed and straightened up, his playful demeanor slipping into something more serious.

"Alright, let's get started," he said, turning to Kalè and Akin.

"We'll begin with some foundational concepts."

With that, Stanley sat down, ready to lead them into the lesson.