"Come in."
Lucio hesitated before stepping into the principal's office, confusion swirling in his mind. There was no academic issue to discuss, and the unexpected summons from Mr. Seson left him feeling unsettled.
It had been months since Mr. Seson had taken him under his wing as he found him at the lowest point in his life. The principal had been entangled with various syndicates, drawn in by the financial gains these groups provided. His connections to law enforcement and local politicians allowed him to navigate the deceitful line between legality and syndicate crime.
Those same connections had secured Lucio's position as a teacher in this local school. Together, he and Mr. Seson had devised the perfect disguise for him while plotting their shared revenge against the Alpha Brotherhood. Posing as a faculty member under a false identity, Lucio had played his part meticulously. But this morning, something felt off.
Mr. Seson, a man in his fifties, appeared more troubled than usual. Deep wrinkles carved into his wide forehead, and stubble shadowed his chin. His bloated stomach pressed uncomfortably against the edge of the table, and beads of sweat dotted his face and neck, glistening under the harsh fluorescent lights.
Lately, Mr. Seson had been confiding his fears to Lucio, and Lucio was genuinely bothered by the principal's demeanor. It was unusual for someone accustomed to engaging in corrupt practices—such as accepting bribes and turning a blind eye to the Regional Supervisor's illegal activities—to be acting all worn out and anxious all the time.
"What's the problem, Mr. Seson? You look troubled," Lucio said, concern etched on his face.
Mr. Seson's eyes flickered with unease, his voice quivering. "Lucio, I need to show you something."
The principal's large frame bent over as he rummaged through a cabinet. Lucio watched, anxiety started gnawing at him.
"Here," Mr. Seson said, presenting a shoebox. He placed it on the table with a thud, his hands shaking.
"I received this package earlier this morning. I don't know if it was left for me last night or-or-or if someone brought it to my office during the flag ceremony," he stammered.
"What's inside the box?" Lucio asked. The principal gestured silently for him to look.
As Lucio lifted the lid, his stomach churned violently at the sight. "Who the hell would leave that in your office?" he exclaimed, recoiling from the box. The rancid smell hit his nostrils, causing him to gag.
Mr. Seson brushed his hair back with his sweaty palm, looking more anxious. "I think it's aimed directly at me," he said warily, his eyes clouded with worry. "I'm still trying to figure out who would send me this. And-and-and I've been…I've been receiving threats." He stammered again as he paced the empty space.
"Threats?" Lucio asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.
"Yes, Lucio," he bellowed, then sighed heavily, recalling that they were in the school office and that their conversation was confidential. "That damn brotherhood is on the move again… damn it, I could really use a cigarette right now."
Except he couldn't, not while they were on official duty.
"I believe someone has infiltrated the school," Mr. Seson added gravely.
Lucio's mind flashed back to Ormon City. "I encountered a man in a white mask during our operation there. I managed to graze his shoulder."
"Did you recognize him?"
"No, he was wearing a fancy mask. Do you think it's one of the teachers? Though his build looked younger—I can't tell, really."
The principal's face hardened with anger. "I can't answer that either. It could be one of the teachers or—or one of the students. Fuck it! Just do something about it, son."
"Do you think the Alpha Brotherhood is still continuing their recruitment of young assassins?"
"That's quite possible. The last thing I heard was that their school for young trainees shut down five years ago. But the Alpha Brotherhood is a well-established group. I'm sure they've continued such operations in grave secrecy."
"I believe so too," Lucio agreed.
"We can't get caught up with a mysterious entity while we're finally approaching our target date to take down the Alphas."
Lucio nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, godfather. I will find the bastard."
"And please, get rid of this morbid thing!" Mr. Seson said dismissively, glancing back at the box with a look of disgust. "I wouldn't want any of the faculty and staff finding that here in the office."
Lucio's gaze returned to the box, his eyes darkening as he stared at the mutilated remains inside. "I wonder who owns these…unfortunate things," he remarked with a chuckle, despite himself.
"Oh, I'm sure that guy's walking around with no balls now," Mr. Seson muttered bitterly.
"Assuming he survived that," Lucio replied, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Yeah… you bet," Mr. Seson replied, his expression reflecting a mixture of anger and dread.
Silence was heard as Lucio absorbed the heaviness of the situation. Whoever sent them this package was a real threat. He had to do something to stop this nonsense.