Chapter 8: NOVA (2)

"Hope," the headmistress repeated, her voice carries a mix of familiarity and authority. She turned to face me fully, her crimson-hair shines brightly catching the light streaming from the large window behind her.

Every muscle in my body tensed as I instinctively reached for my katana, summoning from my dimension pouch on my belt. The black blade appeared on my hand, I shifted into a battle stance, my sharp gaze looked into her.

"How do you know that name," I demanded, my voice cold and cautious.

A storm of thoughts surged into my mind.

'Was it a guess? Or does she actually know who I am?'

The Headmistress—no, this woman—stood their unfazed, a small, amused smile curling on her lips. As she raised her hands in a gesture of peace, her expression was calm.

"Relax, Zane," she said lightly, her voice carrying a strange familiarity. "Don't you recognize me?"

I stiffened, my grip tightening on the katana. My mind raced, searching for any possible connection.

'Her voice… I think I heard it before. But where exactly?'

Seeing my confusion, she chuckled softly and reached into the ring on her finger—a dimension ring. From it, she withdrew a simple white mask and placed it over her face.

"Now," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the mask. "Do you recognize me?"

The sight of that mask hit me like a lightning bolt. I took a step back, lowering my blade but not letting go of it.

"Pride?" The words escaped my mouth before I could stop it.

Her smile widened as she pulled her mask back off, revealing her sharp feature.

"Took you long enough," she said.

Hero name [Pride]. The Rank 7 Hero of the Hero Association.

My training companion.

My comrade.

My friend.

"You're… the Headmistress?" My voice was filled with disbelief.

"Ruby Oliver, at your service," she replied with a mocking bow like a curtain call. "Surprised?"

'Surprised? Like hell!'

Surprised didn't even begin to describe it. Pride—or rather, Ruby—had been one of the very few who knew my identity.

Back in the Hero Association, some heroes altered their features for anonymity, while others wore masks. I had done both. For extra precaution.

But [Pride] had always known. She, along with 'our' master, had been aware of the truth beneath my facade.

My thoughts spiraled further as I stared at her. Back then, when the Association found me after the explosion my hair had turned silver for some unknown reasons, but as I gained control over my Elemental Essence, it had gradually reverted to its natural black. For the sake of privacy, though, I had kept it silver the entire time I was [Hope].

Despite the changes, Ruby had recognized me in an instant.

"How?" I managed to ask.

"I'd recognize you anywhere," she said with a teasing voice, folding her arms.

"But that's not the question we should be discussing right now, is it? What I want to know is—what happened to you? Why are you hiding from the Hero Association? And who is there a new Hope taking your place?"

Her questions cut through me, each one hitting a nerve. For a moment I was hesitated—unsure of if I should reveal everything.

I had known her for the past three years. We were in the same boat, enduring that painful year of harsh training together. She was my companion through it all—the one who consoled me when I broke down from the strain.

She had always been someone I trusted, someone who had walked the same grueling path as I, If there was anyone in the entire Hero Association I could confide in, it was her.

Sigh…

Taking a deep breath. I began.

I told her everything.

The ambush. The mysterious figure with golden blood who had killed me. My skill Immortality. The Hero Association's betrayal. The new Hope they had put in my place. Every detail spilled out, and with each word, the weight on my chest grew lighter. I felt revived.

Ruby listened to every my word, her expression growing darker with each revelation. By the time I finished, her fists were clenched, her crimson eyes blazing with fury.

"They betrayed you," she said, her voice low but beaming with anger. "How dare they! Those bastard…"

Her reaction was enough to reassure me that I had made the right choice. The right choice that she was a trustworthy friend.

"Immortality you say?"

"Yeah, it was there when I woke up and I don't even know what it actually does."

"Hmm, before we know what that skill is, don't you dare use it, who knows it might be connected to that golden blood entity."

"Sure, thanks for the warning."

"And you don't have to worry," Ruby said after a moment, her voice softening. "Your safe with me. I'll make sure no one at NOVA learns the truth and I promise you that no one from Hero Association will ever gets to know about you."

"Thanks Pri—Ruby."

"It's Headmaster Ruby to you. You are at NOVA, Now, get back to your class before anyone gets suspicious."

"Yeah, Headmistress Ruby."

I nodded again and turned my back to leave—suddenly Ruby hugged me from behind, her soft cheeks pressing onto mine. It made me feel really happy.

"I'm glad you are safe. I will keep you safe. Don't do everything on your own, you can really on me. And… I am sorry… sniff..sniff… I am so sorry. …Sniff… I didn't come to your aid. …Sniff..sniff… for…for two whole months you were in that dark place…you must be scared, really scared!... You were always scared of the dark…." Ruby faintly whispered, clinging to me sobbing like a little girl.

It makes my heart ached.

"Yeah… I was scared… scared of not able seeing the faces of people I love."

"Mmhmm… ok.. now… go back, your classes are about to start." Wiping her tears, her face blushing.

As I walked out of her office, I realized that I was smiling like crazy.

I felt a little lighter. I don't want to see her cry again.

'To protect her smile, to keep everyone safe. I have to get stronger.'

And when that mysterious entity appears again, I will make sure, It knows—what actually Zane Skylark is.

I will let it know what fear actually is.

I will let it know what pain is.

I promised myself.

…

Checking my watch, I got to know the second class was 'Weapon Mastery' and it's held on training ground.

As I entered the training hall, a hush fell over the students. Conversations that once buzzed through the air died down, replaced by the whispers and side long glances in my direction.

"Isn't that the guy the headmistress called over?"

"Yeah. What do you think it was about?"

"Maybe he's in trouble… or maybe he's someone important?"

I on the other hand kept my expression neutral, my footsteps steady as I made my way to a corner of the hall.

I could feel their eyes on me, but I chose to ignore the murmurs, leaning against the wall I waited for the class to begin.

However, the silence didn't last long.

A group of three students broke away from the crowd, their gazes locked on to me. They walked with a cocky swagger, their smirks betraying their intentions.

'I don't wanna deal with it now.'

The leader of the group, a tall blond-haired boy who looked like he came straight from Terranova, stepped forward. "Hey, you," he called out, his tone sharp and mocking.

I glanced at him but said nothing.

The blond boy's smirk widened as he came closer, sides by his two companions. "So, what did the headmistress want with you, huh?"

My eyes narrowed slightly, but I remained calm.

"That's none of your business," I replied coolly.

The blond boy's smirk halted, replaced by a flash of annoyance. "None of my business, huh? Don't act all high and mighty just because Miss Monica said something nice about you. That doesn't make you special, you bookworm—"

"What do you think you're doing?" Anna who was looking from the side stepped forward, her presence commanding enough to make the group hesitate. Her fiery red hair seemed to glow under the training hall's light as she glared at the blond boy.

"Tsk. Let's go, my mood is ruined." The boy said as he walked toward the other classmates.

"I didn't need the help, but… thanks." I spoke.

"I know, I was worrying about them, any ways, why did you come to NOVA?"

"Umm… To train and get stronger I guess."

"Eh? Strong you? Do you want to take over the planet or something?"

"Pfttt… Hahahaha!" without any realization I began to laugh.

"!"

'Beside Ruby, none ever made me laugh before.'

As I thought that, Ruby's crying face appeared in my mind.

Ruby's sobs echoed in my mind. I couldn't let anyone else carry my burdens—not her, not anyone. It was my fight. And I will make sure I keep my promise.

End of chapter 8.