Classroom of the Elite: Stalemate

Vol.2 : Chapter 6.7-Crushing Waves

Ayanokoji's POV

6 AM on the Sixth Day.

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"Nothing new, as I see," Father commented nonchalantly, eyes fixed on the data tab our instructor handed him. The faint glow from the screen seemed to be the only light in the room, making the atmosphere even more tense. He finished his review, then turned to face me.

He stood silently, his eyes evaluating me. The tension in the room thickened, the instructor beside me shifting nervously, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.

Finally, Father spoke, his voice low and deliberate. "Remember, Kiyotaka..₽2@7)&/97,₽3'aoxu]$^|,%]€+,^

While nodding robotically I noticed. His words,' I can't understand what he's saying... oh it's a dream I presume.'

Satisfied, he gave a nod to the man standing behind me. Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave. The man, silent and shadow-like, followed closely behind.

As they approached the door, a loud noise erupted from the right side of the room. The door flew off its hinges, and an instructor's body skidded across the floor. My father and his subordinate barely reacted, their departure undeterred until we all heard the bang and turned.

Subject 131 stood at the entrance, eyes wild, screaming my name.

"AYANOKOJI!!!"

I dropped into a combat stance, ready for the confrontation. But before I could move, the man who had stood behind my father was suddenly there. With alarming speed and precision, he slammed subject 131 into the ground.

"Please refrain from such actions, young man," he said calmly, a content smile never leaving his face.

Subject 131 writhed in the man's grip, his screams echoing off the walls.

"YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME!! YOU BASTARD!!"

Two instructors hurried forward, restraining him. As they dragged him away, his screams grew fainter. My father departed in silence, the man following close behind.

The door closed behind subject 131, and I prepared to leave. Just then, the most painful scream pierced the air.

"AYANOKOJI!!!"

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"AYANOKOJI!!!"

Waking up from what happened to be a dream in my tent, I looked at the person calling my name with despair in his voice.

It was Hirata, his face pale and stricken with panic, framed in the entrance of the tent. His eyes were wide with fear, and his normally composed demeanor was shattered, replaced by sheer urgency.

"What is it, Hirata? Did something happen?" I asked in a calm manner, my voice steady despite the urgency I sensed. The contrast between my calmness and his panic was stark.

"Yes! The whole camp is on fire! We need to leave immediately!" he screamed, his voice cracking with fear. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, and his breath came in short, frantic gasps.

Nodding to him, I quickly got up and followed him out of the tent. The sudden rush of hot, smoky air hit me, and the crackling of the flames became more intense.

As soon as I stepped outside, the smell of smoke and the heat from the flames hit me like a wall. The once tranquil campsite was now a sea of flames, casting a hellish glow on the surrounding trees. The heart of the fire seemed to be in the girls' tents area, where the flames raged most fiercely, sending sparks and embers swirling into the night sky.