章 20: XX: Showtime
The atmosphere in the dining hall shifted dramatically as Kaizer made his grand entrance. His presence, combined with the peculiar Evil Dead backpack strapped around his shoulders, attracted the attention of the whole room. All eyes were on him as he confidently strolled to his usual table, backpack thudding down heavily.
As he took a seat, he nonchalantly pulled a sleek, outdated iPhone 6s from his pocket. It was a relic from the Overworld, a testament to his recent escapades. It was the only thing he managed to afford after making a impromptu visit to the Overworld and selling two of his favorite Vampiric garments and a magazine he kept featuring nude Vampire women, a little souvenir he'd secretly bought at the Bazaar. His fellow students couldn't help but stare, their curiosity piqued by the strange device in his hand.
Amid the silent cafeteria, he acted as if he'd never been missing for weeks. Opening his phone's settings, he navigated to 'Bluetooth,' a mischievous grin playing on his lips. From the depths of his backpack, he retrieved a mysterious black box covered in buttons. With a press of a button, a robotic voice announced, "Bluetooth Pairing."
His phone displayed the device's name, and he swiftly tapped 'Bluetooth Connected.' Exiting the settings and opening up Files, he deftly opened an mp3 he had downloaded using a McDonald's Wi-Fi.
As he selected the first video, 'Smooth Criminal,' the Bluetooth speaker came to life. He cranked up the volume, the captivating rhythm filling the room. With boundless confidence, he clambered atop the table. His Deception powers unleashed a burst of magic, transforming the cafeteria into a lively dance floor.
A dazzling disco ball hung from the ceiling, neon signs adorned the walls, a checkerboard dance floor materialized, and a Vampire buffet appeared, offering a delectable spread of blood cakes and blood punch. The students, taken by the enthusiasm of Kaizer's return, embraced the opportunity for fun.
They joined in the festivities, indulging in the buffet and letting loose on the dance floor. Kaizer grabbed a microphone, connecting it to the speaker, and began singing the iconic lyrics of "Smooth Criminal."
"As he came into the window
It was the sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet…"
As the music pulsed through the room, Kaizer danced along the tables, striking poses and displaying impressive moves. Much to Kaizer's surprise—for he had thought surely this distraction plan would result in a more humiliating outcome—the students cheered, wooed, and let themselves be carried away by the infectious energy. Some daring Vampiresses even flashed him. Kaizer shrugged inwardly, realizing that his unexpected return had taken an unexpectedly entertaining turn. He continued to perform, infusing the cafeteria with his contagious flair.
Coach Ignatius and Professor Cane entered the bustling dining hall, bewildered by the chaotic commotion that greeted them. Tables had been pushed aside, and students danced wildly to the rhythm of "Smooth Criminal" blaring from a portable speaker. Professor Cane's face contorted into a mask of hysterical rage as he attempted to restore order.
"Stop this at once! Cease this ridiculousness!" he screamed, his voice piercing through the cacophony. But his words fell on deaf ears as the students continued to revel in the spontaneous party.
Growing increasingly infuriated, Professor Cane turned to Coach Ignatius, who raised his voice above the din. "HEY!"
The sudden shout had the desired effect. The students froze in their tracks, and all that remained was the blaring music echoing through the hall. Coach Ignatius fixed his gaze on Kaizer from across the room.
"Can you turn it off, please?" he asked, his tone indicating that he was well aware of what was happening.
Kaizer cupped his ear dramatically, leaning toward Coach Ignatius with a playful grin. "Whaaat!? Sorry, Coach Ignatius, I can't hear you! The music is too loud!"
The students erupted in laughter, and Kaizer winked at Coach Ignatius, who could feel his own frustration mounting.
"Kaizerrr! I don't know what you're trying to prove, but all you're doing is getting yourself into more trouble!" Coach Ignatius warned, a hint of something more beneath his words.
Finally relenting, Kaizer turned down the music and hopped down from the table. He walked up to Coach Ignatius, adopting a nonchalant demeanor as he awaited further instructions.
"Thank you. Now, go—"
Before Coach Ignatius could finish his sentence, Kaizer delivered an unexpected punch, striking the coach straight in the nose. The dining hall erupted in chaos once more, as laughter and shouts filled the air.
Kaizer, grinning at his impulsive move, bolted out of the hall, Coach Ignatius chasing behind him. Laughter mixed with furious shouts as he chased Kaizer through the echoing corridors.
Turning corner after corner, Kaizer's mischievous spirit led him down to the dungeon where he had been locked away just the day before. This time, he had no need for the Deception Spell. With precision born of familiarity, he employed Shadow Step to phase through the wall at the right spot, reappearing on the other side. Coach Ignatius, arriving seconds later, found himself in an empty corridor.
Kaizer listened from inside of the dungeon, and he noticed that it had been cleaned from the carnage he left here.
Coach Ignatius remained silent until he finally heard him say, "You really thought I wouldn't know, Kaizer?"
With a knowing smile, Ignatius stepped through the wall, meeting Kaizer in the pitch-black dungeon. Kaizer, aware of his disadvantage in this environment, opted for a different approach. He resolved to be silent, waiting for the next move to present itself.
A moment of silence hung between them, only the distant echoes of their surroundings filling the void. Kaizer could hear the coach's relaxed footsteps echoing in front of him.
"Kaizer, what are you doing, kid?" Coach Ignatius's voice reverberated in the darkness, holding a mock-friendly tone. "Stop this nonsense. We can all go back to normal life if you just forget about everything you've seen. Forget about the Barrier! So what? You should be glad it's there because if it weren't, there'd be a lot more kids like you runnin' around. Little orphan."
"Shut up." Kaizer couldn't contain his thoughts.
Ignatius let out a hearty laugh. "Kaizerrr, what's the point of all this? You're making a scene! Don't you want to graduate? Don't you want to become a powerful Vampire? Perhaps even a Member of the Cauldron?"
This time, Kaizer did remain silent. He stood still, anticipating a surprise attack.
The sound of Ignatius's footsteps ceased, like he'd stopped dead in his tracks.
"Forget about your friends, Kaizer."
"NEVER!" Again, the words escaped Kaizer's lips, charged with emotion, despite his initial intention to remain silent.
Coach Ignatius sighed, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Alright then. Suit yourself."
The tension in the dungeon thickened as the two remained in a standoff, the fate of Sanguine's secrets hanging in the balance.
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