章 19: Pueri pugnando-XIX
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DATE:11th of June, the 70th year after the Coronation
LOCATION: Concord Metropolis
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I woke up with a girl in my arms. It was Alice. For once I awakened before her. This wasn't good, but I wasn't sure whether to be angry with her or myself. On one hand I was so tired she basically raped me, on the other part It was my responsibility to run away. Didn't think she had it in her, though it probably wasn't forceful from the girl's perspective. I was just too tired to say no.
I suppose it isn't terrible though. She may trust me more now.... Yet she already did, so that is kind of redundant.
She felt really soft, like some kind of plushie. Grabbing her arms, I still don't understand how her muscles are camouflaged under this delicate skin. One so smooth you would think she never raised a spoon in her life.
And our duel yesterday, I probably exhagerated. Yes, if my goal was making it seem like I was starting from scratch, the techniques I displayed were higher level than most..... I admit I didn't want to lose to such a small woman, But how exactly is she so skilled? I've never seen Alice train. Not once.
Is being a hero all genetic? Can you even have muscles just on a genetic basis? It was so strange.
...
...
I may be just paranoid, but I believe I know why Alice is so attracted to me. Perhaps it is true that she sees me as a hardworking man, "full of passion", but that is probably because I remind her of UltraMan. Yes, these qualities of her mentor do not charm her in a nostalgic way, as a vain way to cling to the past and remember him. No, judging by her thought process, the answer is much more cliche.
This girl felt "changed" by her idolatry for UltraMan or heroes. It is not an exhageration to then speculate that she saw him, at least in part Romantically.
I didn't really mention because it wasn't part of my job, but UltraMan is, was married. Of course, he was already in a relationship with his current, former? Wife by the time he took Alice as an apprentice. But by the amount of delusion she has I wouldn't be surprised if she expected some kind of greater bond except being one of his "few" apprentices.
If that was the case, wouldn't a similar being to her former mentor fill that role?
Of course, if I was to make this assumption about anyone else it would be a great overstatement, but "she" lives her life as if in a book. It makes a lot of sense. Why otherwise would she like someone her mentor's age so much? Everyone acts like me and Alice are the same age, but I am 10 years older than her. Is my skin care so good?
I woke up quite early today as the sun didn't yet rise, but I couldn't sleep because I had to go to the bathroom. I wanted to raise from the bed, but Alice was using my hand as a pillow and I certainly didn't wish to share the awkward moments of being here with her.
If she goes on a monologue about how "we were meant to be" I'll kill myself.
She was very light even when resting on my hand. It wasn't sore at all. How do the world's physics work for this woman!?
Eventually I gave up and dragged my arm from under her body, but I don't what she thought was happening as half-asleep, she started cuddling. At at this point it was her fault so I poke her ear with my nose and whisper softly:
"I need to peeee~" Even in her barely aware state I could feel Alice brighten in embarrassment and she let go of my body.
In that dark, unlit bathroom I meditated my life choices leading up to this before going back to her bed.
I thought about leaving, but I was currently naked. Another matter was that offending her would nullify the whole suffering I went through. So screw it.
I slept somewhat for another hour or two until I could see the shining rays of the morning through the window until I lazily dragged on my trousers and went to my room. It was about eight in the morning from what I could see on my clock.
My classes started at 10 on Fridays, but I didn't feel like sleeping anymore so I got dressed and went on a rare morning job.
It was much colder than the usual weather in Cordon. Was it the morning current from the sea?
For once in this damned stay in Concord I didn't have my nose irritated by sand. I could breathe in and breathe clearly at that.
What was clear was that I need to buy a phone with a SIM card. Actually my current one works fine, I just have to buy a card for it. I found an open shop at the corner of a building.
Stepping into the SIM shop, I immediately noticed how out of sync it felt with the rest of the building. The apartment complex outside was pristine, sleek, and modern, with its glass facades and polished edges. But this shop—it felt old, much older than it had any right to be in a place like this. The walls were scuffed, and the wooden counter looked worn down, like it had been in use for decades, though the building itself couldn't be more than a few years old.
The shelves were stocked with outdated phone cases, chargers that looked like they belonged to models from years ago. Even the lighting had a strange yellowish hue, a stark contrast to the cool, modern lighting I'd passed under just moments before in the lobby of the building. The faint hum of an aging air conditioner in the corner added to the sense that this place hadn't quite kept up with the times.
The shopkeeper barely glanced up as I entered, their attention fixed on something behind the counter, a device that looked a little too advanced for the rest of the shop's aesthetic. The whole place had an odd, mismatched energy, like it didn't belong here, yet had been rooted in this spot long before the new building had risen around it.
And then there was that back corner—a patch of peeling wallpaper, curling at the edges. It was strange to see in such a well-maintained area, almost like it had been forgotten. There was a faint scent of something, like old paper or dust that had settled over time, a stark contrast to the sterile newness of the world outside.
As I browsed the shelves, I couldn't help but feel like this shop had a past—something hidden beneath its outdated façade. It was as if time had moved forward for the building but stopped dead for this shop. And the way the shopkeeper occasionally glanced toward the back of the store only deepened that feeling. There was something here, something that didn't quite fit with the present, and I had the odd sensation that if I lingered too long, I might stumble across something I wasn't meant to find.
But still, that was none of my concern!
I wondered whether the shopkeeper would even have Sim cards here, but he surprisingly had some.
The one he gave me was jet black and had no contact pins, but curiously enough it still worked perfectly. I in fact did a data test and got the highest speed I ever received on a mobile device, even if the device itself was so old.
What data company even was this?
The man didn't know. He said he doesn't care about these things. That certainly wasn't suspicious.
Anyway, I paid him the 50 Zols he required for this prepaid card and went on my way.
About 10 minutes later I get called by Alice.
Apparently today was the final student exam that I mentioned yesterday. Today was a Saturday and not a Friday. Oh well.
I returned to my dorm room where I was greeted by a package from the professor. Seems like the new formula arrived.
In it was a letter and two small boxes. One had vials similar to the substance he formerly sent, just that they now had "Super" etched on them. The other had packets of.... Leaves? I don't really know.
The letter explained them as a physical, lighter form of the drugs? He used quite a bit of jargon, but they were basically nicotine pouches I was supposed to keep in my mouth. He said that the effect might be smaller, but that I could use my ability much more often before I got any side-effects.
I suppose I should test that.
The tournament was later in the day so I put one near my gums, got my pellet gun and went to the underground training center.
After a few tries I could say that the dose is waaay weaker. I am surprised my body even recognizes it for the ability activation.
If cocaine had a 99.9999% and his "Super©®™" had 99%, the "mini" had a 70% negation to the time's speed?
So it is easier to say that I was twice as fast as a normal human? No, the world was moving at a third of it's speed. So a Beretta of 380m/s would go from 0.00038m/s to 3.8m/s to now 114m/s. Not quite a "Bullet time" anymore, though I suppose this was more so meant as a general fighting enhancer. At least from what I see of the professor's notes.
I quickly left to not meet Mr.Perfect once again and hot dressed in my teacher outfit. I suppose this style imposed by John did catch on.
I saw Aku avoiding me by going to the garden. I remember how he fucked me over. Yeah, he was the one who told Zilliam right? How else would she hear.
When I got closer I used my ability to give him a punch to the head before he noticed me, planting his face straight into some flowers.
"Aku you fuck. How is it going?"
"What?! William?"
"Did it feel good to snitch me to Zilliam straight after that puny warning of yours? Haha?" I didn't let him respond, but turned around his body and pressed my knees on his lungs.
"Fuck, I didn't do it!"
"Sure you didn't!" I started slugging his face with heavy punches. Aku tried to push me, but under this newfound speed he wasn't to my level. I gave him an especially hard punch and I heard his nose crack.
"You think I am an amateur?"
"Get off me! Help! Somebody!" His pathetic cries were in vain as the students that usually litter this place were preparing for the physical exam.
Getting bored, I clenched my fists together and started bashing his skull.
" Open your mouth already. You are still a Bitch Aku." He gave out an inhuman roar and I got off him before Aku managed to brag be. He morphed half way into some kind of beast, with horns and rugged teeth.
"What to you know about me?" Such a stupid bozo. I took out my final weapon from the Chef, a gift I found between the stuff I bought. It was a leveled up tazer. A 150k Volt tazer to be precise. Extremely illegal. It was in the shape of a police baton
I started the device and pressed it in Bullet time to the temple of.... Whatever creature Aku was turning into to do the maximum damage. I held it there for a few seconds while dodging his tries to slash me until his brain was fried and he collapsed. I hope I didn't kill him as I had some information to get. Aku subsequently returned to his normal body.
Electrocution was a good idea because it may also induce short term memory loss. Hopefully I wouldn't have to deal with the injuries I gave him.
I waited around for the old man to wake up while I looked at the flowers. With such a small dosage I couldn't feel the ghost at all. Was it even here anymore? Perhaps I freed it when I arrested the Dean. I hope not. This ruffian needs to suffer alone for all eternity.
At some point Aku groaned himself awake from the pain. It seems like he remembered what happened so I also showed him the stick to remind him what happens from resisting.
"Alright alright! I'll explain...."
"Go on."
"I really didn't tell the Dean!" I turned up the zapper in annoyance. It was strong enough I could feel the air snapping from its force.
"I mean it! Look, the Dean knew about your scheme since you first found the key. She told me to keep an eye on you because you...."
"Because I what?"
"Because you smelled like a murderer. No matter how much you keep that false appearance, you reek of blood!" That was a metaphor, obviously. I can't reek of blood if I clean myself right?.... Whatever.
"So?"
"She told me to tell her if you ever went into the warehouse.... But she already knew! She has some form of control over the area, knowing who is where at any time. Putting me to it was just for confirmation."
"Riiight.... And I shouldn't kill you.... why? Didn't you say I am a murderer?"
His face was pale and I could feel his pigish breath quicken pace.
" Me? I- .... No, Am- what??" Who do these people think they are? Him and Sasha too. Why do they boast with such pride that they know I can kill them? Isn't that just prompting me to do it? Like pulling the horns of a bull.
" I don't- don't want,_ NO I don't wan-t"
" To die? Then shut the hell up. I smell of blood, so what? It could be from a butcher's shop."
" No, it isn't." I raised my hand ready to zap him again. I don't get why he even tries to cover himself as this thing goes through cloth.
" Bitch do you actually Want to die? Who argues over semantics with their life on the line?"
"But I-"
"Shut the hell up" I shocked him halfway into uconscience. It is clear these people never actually fought with villains. They take me as a joke? Why else would they risk their lives so foolishly? Isn't it common sense to not argue with someone who holds your life like a string?
"It is clear the Dean messed up your brain if you mouth out such falsities. Haaah. I didn't came here to kill you and I won't tell the police on your involvement."
"You won't?"
"No. So live your goddamn life old man, stop being kept back by other's trauma. The ghost isn't 'your' wife."
As I got back to the dorms I realized Aku didn't even know about the ghost. Guess that must have been quite a revelation. Huh... He wasn't even aware why he kept the garden in perfect form with such a rigorous effort.
Anyway, I changed my dirt stained trousers for another pair and did Laundry until the Exam started.
Luckily for me I didn't have to fight the superpowered students, just to supervise their duels so that no one gets hurt too badly.
The first one I was in charge of was between a small freckled nerd type and some kind of popular girl stereotype. Was it that Gal Sylvia? I barely even remember her. Was I supposed to keep their names in mind?
The duel began with an air of tension, the small freckled student standing nervously on one side, glasses slightly askew, while the popular girl, exuding confidence, strutted to her spot with a smirk.
The freckled boy, seemingly unassuming, was the first to act. His hands glowed faintly with a soft blue energy as he conjured a wave of telekinetic force, sending a few scattered objects from the arena flying towards the popular girl. Great, a telekinetic kid. It's not like there are dozens of them already. But she was quick. With a flick of her hand, she created a shimmering, golden shield of energy that easily deflected the projectiles. Of course, she has light powers. Do these people shape their lives by choosing classes from RPGs?
Not wanting to be outdone, the boy adjusted his glasses and dug deeper into his abilities. He pulled the arena's gravity down, making everything heavier, his freckled face now focused with intensity. Look at him, real anime protagonist energy. The popular girl faltered, her confident smile slipping as her knees buckled slightly under the increased pressure. But she recovered fast, channeling her light into a series of bright, laser-like blasts aimed directly at him.
The boy ducked and rolled, using his telekinesis to shield himself from the onslaught. He retaliated by sending a shockwave that caused the ground under her feet to ripple and crack. Did he just try to earthquake the floor? Liliam style? She nearly lost her balance but responded by creating blinding bursts of light, disorienting him for a brief moment.
Their powers clashed and danced, the freckled boy's more strategic, controlled movements were proving to be an exhageration. His past displays of strength drained him of energy.
In the end, the match was called off just as he was ready for a final, desperate strike. Which, thank the stars, because I was one laser beam away from needing an aspirin. No one had been hurt too badly, but it was a reminder of the raw power these students held and how quickly things could escalate under different circumstances. I honestly find it scary how they treat this like it's normal.
I could see in both of them traits of extreme narcissism. Were they supposed to save anyone in the future? It doesn't seem so to me.
And that power? They are one emotional outburst away from commiting mass killing.
This is an estimate, but up to a third of all villains were former heroes. This seems like a low percentage, but wasn't the whole reason for the existence of this academy to not have super powered youngsters turn to crime? Personally, I find it 30% too high.
I stayed for another three fights, and to be honest, they were all starting to blur together. Same flashy powers, same over-the-top dramatics. I swear, it's like watching a super-powered soap opera. But one of them stood out—mainly because I actually remembered one of the combatants.
It was between a short-haired Asian girl, who looked too serious for some school exam, and some guy with slicked-back hair, an unbuttoned shirt.... I recognized him immediately. One of Sylvia's goons, the same one with the fire ability who got his ego handed to him by that black-haired kid yesterday. He still had a few bandages from that fight.
The two faced off, and I couldn't help but wonder if this guy had learned anything from his previous beatdown. Supposedly he is one of the stronger students.
The fight started and he immediately summoned a swirling flame in his hand. With a cocky grin, he hurled a wave of fire at her, probably hoping to end things quickly. Because, yeah, that worked out so well for him last time. But she was ready. With a swift motion, the air around her rippled, and suddenly, she vanished. The fire roared past where she had been standing, hitting nothing but air.
She reappeared behind him, and with a cold, calculating expression, sent a blast of wind straight into his back. He staggered forward, barely catching himself. She's got wind powers? That was different...
The fight quickly became a game of cat and mouse. He tried to unleash fireballs, pillars of flame, even a desperate fire tornado at one point, but she was too fast. Every time he thought he had her cornered, she blinked out of existence, only to reappear somewhere else and strike him from another angle. The guy had all the aggression, but none of the accuracy. Like watching someone play dodgeball with their eyes closed. But was her power really wind? What the hell was that disappearing act?
After several failed attempts, slick-hair was starting to get frustrated. His flames grew wilder, more uncontrolled, burning bright but missing their target over and over. Meanwhile, the girl stayed calm, effortlessly dodging and weaving, using her wind abilities to keep herself mobile and him off balance. She wasn't flashy, but she didn't need to be. Every strike she made counted—each gust of wind sending him stumbling, each dodge a reminder that she was playing on a whole different level.
I got curious and used my bullet time just as she was dodging. And the secret to her power? Just wind. She was quickly flying to the high ceeling of the underground arena, before returning after the flames passed. That was... Disappointing.
Then, as he attempted to throw another fireball, she changed tactics. Instead of dodging, she faced it head-on, raising her hand and creating a swirling vortex of air that sucked the flames into it, neutralizing them completely. He was left with a blank expression, obviously impressed.
With his fire neutralized and his energy flagging, she moved in for the finishing blow. A gust of wind hit him square in the chest, lifting him off his feet and sending him flying across the arena. He hit the ground with a heavy thud, his flames sputtering out.
The fight was over. She didn't say a word—just gave him a look that said, "Next time, don't bother." He groaned, probably wondering how he'd managed to lose twice in as many days. At least this time, he'll have some fresh bandages to match the old ones.
I took a break while it was Mr. Perfect's turn.
In that podium I could hear a lot of the students snickering about this last fight. Apparently the shortie is well known. Not like it makes a difference to me.
Alice found me on a couch in the waiting area and started praising me for my performance yesterday. What was this? After game strategy analysis? It took me great effort to not cringe at her remarks, so I thought about changing the subject to what we would be doing after we leave the academy. Big mistake.
She started fantasizing out loud about how we should move in together. Did she think we were a couple? Personally I hoped it was a one night stand, but it doesn't seem like it....
I suggested we should go on a date to once again change this uncomfortable subject.
Another mistake.
I thought of doing one of those "ahh, it would be so great to meet up, but our doesn't meet up", but I forgot that she literally doesn't have anything to do after school. Her Graphich design work is placed at the same time as the teaching so she does both at the same time...
I got myself a date tomorrow....
Yupee...
I got saved from more commitments by the bell, precisely the finale of the tournament for which all teachers were needed as all safety bounds were released. We really needed to make sure no one died.
The contestants? One was the black-haired kid from yesterday, the one who'd beaten up the fire guy. Not surprising, the kid had skill. The other? Uhhh… it took me a second to place him, but then I remembered—black pupils, always lurking around Sylvia. Yakov? Yeah, that was his name. He had this eerie, quiet confidence about him, which was unsettling in a "he might actually know what he's doing" kind of way the pure black pupils also didn't help his appearance. If Sylvia wasn't in the finale, and he was, that had to mean something. He might even be stronger than her.
The arena felt heavier as they stepped in. The atmosphere shifted—everyone knew this was going to be different. No more holding back.
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As the final match commenced, the tension in the arena was palpable. The black-haired kid, with his intense focus and determination, faced off against Yakov, whose dark pupils seemed to absorb all the light around him. It was like watching a storm cloud and a lightning bolt prepare for a showdown.
The black-haired kid wasted no time. He dashed forward, channeling his energy into a swift series of strikes, each movement precise and calculated. Clearly, he wasn't just a pretty face; he had a strategy. But Yakov stood his ground, unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, shadows coiled around him, forming a dark shield that absorbed the incoming blows like it was nothing. The same shadows he used to hear or see from. I could see why Sylvia kept him around.
As the kid tried to adjust his approach, he unleashed a wave of kinetic energy, sending a shockwave through the arena. Yakov, however, was ready. He melded with the shadows, vanishing from sight just in time to evade the blast. Now that was impressive. He could literally disappear. Not the false move the asian did.
Emerging from the darkness behind the black-haired kid, Yakov struck with a sweeping kick, but the kid rolled to the side just in time, the kick missing by mere inches. He retaliated quickly, launching a burst of energy that sent a shockwave toward Yakov, who countered by summoning tendrils of shadow that wrapped around the blast, redirecting it harmlessly into the ground. This was becoming a game of one-upmanship.
The arena was filled with the sounds of impact as each fighter exchanged blows, neither willing to give an inch. The black-haired kid fought with a fierce determination, using his agility to keep Yakov on his toes, while Yakov relied on his ability to blend into the shadows and counterattack with precision. It was a fluid dance of light and dark, and you could practically feel the energy crackling in the air.
As the fight progressed, the black-haired kid began to strategize. He feinted left, then right, drawing Yakov in. Just as Yakov moved to strike, he unleashed a concentrated burst of kinetic energy aimed at Yakov's feet, causing him to stumble. Nice one!
Seeing his opportunity, the black-haired kid lunged forward, delivering a flurry of punches that pushed Yakov back. But the shadowy fighter wasn't done yet. With a swift motion, he summoned a dark wave that swept through the arena, engulfing the black-haired kid in shadows.
But just when it seemed like Yakov had the upper hand, the black-haired kid focused his energy and broke free from the shadows, unleashing a brilliant flash of light that illuminated the arena and momentarily blinded Yakov. It was a bold move, and it seemed to have worked.
Seizing the moment, the kid charged forward, launching a powerful strike that connected solidly with Yakov's midsection, sending him crashing to the ground. The arena erupted in cheers as the black-haired kid stood tall, breathing heavily but victorious.
Yakov, on the other hand, was slower to rise, looking dazed but still determined. It was clear that this fight had pushed both of them to their limits, but the black-haired kid had proven himself once again. The other teachers besides myself and Mr.Perfect. I was unconcerned for the student's safety, and Ackerman, he actually was dissapointed no one got hurt. He had a hard time not showing it. The others could uld finally breathe a sigh of relief—no one had been turned into a shadowy pancake this time. Did someone die last time?
The black haired kid who the temporary principal, the English teacher, named Johnathan Ulkip was titled Champion while I left the ceremony.
I thought about what he said yesterday 'What do I care?' and he was right. This guy probably had a year long journey to win this tournament, with struggles and happiness, ups and downs, yet I didn't pay any mind to even remember his name. It really doesn't matter what happens to him now, does it?
I thought I would run into Sasha outside the facility, but luckily for me she was still in the hospital. I hope we don't meet in this last week I have at the Academy.
We spent the rest of the night throwing a celebration in the teacher's lounge with different types of wine. I think it was also meant as a way to distract everyone from what happened with the Dean. Ackerman told me he 'didn't think I had it in me', but I don't know what he meant by that.
I didn't like the alcohol, but that is also because I don't like wine. Or no, I don't like hangovers? Almost overdosing already is painful.
The others really went over the board.
I especially hated how Alice tried to kiss me under the effects of the alcohol. I don't want these drunk talkative bastards annoyinge with so many questions. At the very least she had the decency to not say we were in an relationship or any exhageration like that.
That night I slept quite badly. My head hurt.
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