Chapter 43: Chapter 41 - Flashback (4)
So... It's been a while since I posted a chapter, huh? I'm sorry about the wait, it's just that I finished high school, there were a lot of goodbys and parties, then suddenly a shit ton of things I wasn't prepared for just popped into existence. Also, the fact that I don't particularly enjoy writing this flashback didn't help me to use my little free time to write. I tried to write this a couple of times but I just suck at writing kids. They grew up in a warzone so they're supposed to not be so innocent and have a more cautious air around them, and Apate specifically is supposed to be super intelligent, but I just can't find the right balance and they sound like adults. Anyway, I'm back and with no large break in the near future (hopefully). Also, this chapter is unedited so if you find problems please write a comment and I'll fix it.
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Mike clutched his throat as he fell to his knees, choking and coughing. "You shouldn't underestimate people when you know nothing about them, if you do, you'll see yourself in similar situations pretty often from now on," Alon lectured as he walked near Mike.
"This is enough for now, you made your point," Alon said before turning to Apate. "As for you, Apate, I'd like to hear what happened yesterday." Mike stumbled back onto his feet, now looking at Alon with warry eyes. "What're you waiting for? Go away already!" Alon raised his voice, making Mike run away.
"Now, what the hell happened?" Alon asked. "Mike and I were caught by some group deep in the slums, but I managed to escape. I don't know why Mike is still coming after me after what happened, but I can guess why." Apate responded.
"Care to share?" Alon asked. "Basically, Mike decided it'd be a good idea to venture deep into the slums because he needed to rob some money to pay his debt. The whole thing turned out to be a setup, and we were ambushed by a group that wanted to make Apate into some sort of male prostitute or something. I fought them off, but they did manage to capture Mike before leaving. I'm guessing he struck a deal with them and that's what he's doing now." Apate explained while avoiding mentioning his quirk.
"I see... Well, if it's just that, then good luck." Alon said as he turned to leave. "What do you mean?" Apate asked. "Just what I said. I wasn't kidding when I said that you need to learn how to handle yourself. If you'll be in a desperate situation, I'll help you a little, but otherwise, I'll stay out of this," Alon said.
"What?! Just like that? And now, of all possibilities?" Apate asked, shocked by the sudden declaration. "Yeah, treat it like a final test. I've got other newcomers to help, don't tell me you thought you were the only one I took care of? As for the timing, do you think you're that special? Things like that happen all the time, and I usually use them like this. This is relatively simple from what you told me, so figure it out. After you do so, you'll earn the right to stand tall here." Alon explained.
"...Fine," Apate said as he thought his options over. After hearing Alon's speech, he realized he had grown too attached to the man. He couldn't expose his quirk's existence to him, seeing how dangerous it is if his guess is correct as to what it is. Apate and Alon parted ways silently as the former walked away.
Apate quickly figured out what the group wanted from him. Mike made it clear he wasn't picking on Apate from his own choice, so that means that it's part of his deal with the group. And they would let him go for such a thing only if Apate was someone important to them. It wasn't hard to figure out why he was important to them since their interaction was very short and he only did one thing. But the fact that they didn't act personally yet made him confused, and that was the main thing that worried him.
Apate was sure Mike would come again, so he made a mental note to interrogate him. Although he probably doesn't know the whole situation, it's better than nothing. But he didn't know when Mike would come again, so he had no choice but to wait.
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Apate waited for Mike, and the latter returned a day later.
Mike had a bad feeling as he saw Apate look at him with a calm expression, but he had to go through with his role.
"I've been thinking of something..." Apate suddenly spoke, making Mike stop. "Why did that group send you? Why did they release you in the first place? If they wanted me dead or something, they can do it themselves. This means you need to get something from me, what is it?" Apate asked.
Mike's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly regained his cool. Still, Apate didn't miss that sign. "So, you're going to beat me up again? Is it something they ordered you?" Apate continued to ask. "..." Mike turned silent. The whole point of beating Apate up was to force him to use his quirk. But if he expected it, then it would just be a waste of time.
"So that's a yes... Alright, I get it. You're meant to beat me up, and because I hate you I'll use my quirk. They're trying to gather more intel on it. That's a relief, actually. I originally thought they'd just kill me. But I guess I am a walking cash cow with my quirk." Apate said, not realizing that the group was too terrified of him to even think about killing him themselves.
"Anyway, you should get going now. I won't use my quirk, so you shouldn't waste your time." Apate continued. Mike pondered his options for a bit, before retreating.
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"So he's onto us..." Ray said after listening to Mike's report. "What do we do now?" another member of the group asked. "I don't know... I think we have to risk it. Worst case scenario, I'll figure out something. But we can't let him run loose here, not with a brainwashing quirk" Ray said. Silence engulfed the room as the others thought his words over, with each of them nodding in agreement at the end.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone