The Killer in The Clasrroom Of The Elite

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Shadows of Competition

The day of the competition was fast approaching, and the atmosphere at Advanced Nurturing High School was palpable. Students talked about it in every corner, and the pressure was undeniable. The competitiveness that Alex had felt since arriving at the school now materialized in the air, like an invisible burden that everyone carried. Yet, despite the tension, Alex felt more prepared than ever. He had spent weeks training with Arisu, who had shown a surprising ability to learn and adapt.

That morning, as they prepared for the competition, Arisu seemed restless. She was reviewing her notes and making last-minute adjustments to her strategy. Alex sat next to her, watching how her brow furrowed every time she read something that didn't convince her.

"Arisu," he said, breaking the silence. "Trust yourself. You've worked hard for this."

She looked at him, her silver eyes reflecting a mix of anxiety and determination. "I know, but there's so much at stake. It's not just about winning. There are implications for our class, and I don't want to let them down."

"Your worth isn't measured by the result alone. What matters is that you do your best. I'll be here to support you, no matter what happens," he assured her, feeling a need to calm her nerves.

Arisu smiled faintly, grateful for his words. "Thank you. Your support means a lot to me."

On the morning of the competition, Alex felt tense. He had spent weeks preparing for any eventuality, but there was still an element of uncertainty. As they headed to the competition venue, his thoughts returned to Kakeru. He knew Kakeru's intentions were dark and that he wouldn't stop at anything to achieve his goals.

The competition took place on a large field in front of the school, with designated areas for different activities. The students were divided into teams, each eager to prove their worth. Alex observed the rising tension among the teams, especially between Arisu and Kakeru.

As the students prepared for the first round, Alex approached Arisu. "You need to be careful. Kakeru seems to be looking for a moment to attack you."

Arisu frowned but remained steadfast. "I won't let him intimidate me. If he wants to compete, let him compete. I can't let that affect me."

Alex admired her determination, but he also knew that Arisu's safety was his top priority. "Just make sure you keep an eye on your surroundings. If you see anything suspicious, let me know immediately."

She nodded, and together they joined the rest of the group as they prepared for the next round. As they progressed through the challenges, Alex kept his gaze on Kakeru, waiting for any sign that he was plotting something.

During the academic test, Arisu shone, answering each question with confidence and precision. However, while everyone was focused, Alex noticed that Kakeru had begun to move closer, trying to approach her.

At that moment, Alex decided to act. "Arisu," he said, moving towards her urgently. "I'm going to have to separate you from him."

She looked at him, confused. "Why? I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Kakeru is looking for any chance to destabilize you. I need to make sure he doesn't get close," he replied, feeling the pressure build in his chest.

In an instant, Kakeru approached, his gaze fixated on Arisu. "Are you still convinced you can beat everyone, Arisu? Competition isn't always fair."

Alex intervened quickly. "Leave her alone, Kakeru. If you want to compete, do it fairly."

Kakeru smirked mockingly. "And what would happen if I don't? Don't tell me you're the only one who has the right to win."

Alex stepped forward, his presence projecting unyielding confidence. "It's not about scaring you. It's about protecting what's important to me. And if you cross the line, I won't hesitate to act."

Kakeru averted his gaze, but he wasn't ready to give up. "There's always a way to get what you want, Alex. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty."

In that moment, Arisu became distracted, and Kakeru seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack. A group of students moved to block him, but Kakeru made a quick move, pushing one of them to the ground and launching a projectile towards Arisu. The object grazed her, and she stumbled back, tripping over a stone and falling.

Alex's heart stopped for a moment. He watched Arisu fall, and in that instant, the anger and bloodlust he had suppressed for years began to surface. A darkness enveloped him, and his killer instinct emerged with force.

"Kakeru!" he shouted, his voice filled with fury. He felt like a cornered predator, ready to strike. The need for vengeance and the protection of Arisu swirled within him in a tempest of emotions. The image of Arisu hurt stripped him bare, and his mind filled with thoughts of violence.

Kakeru, seeing the transformation in Alex, took a step back, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear. He had heard rumors about Alex's violent nature, but now he was witnessing it firsthand. The intensity of Alex's glare, filled with rage, sent a chill down Kakeru's spine.

However, just as Alex prepared to lunge at Kakeru, he felt a delicate hand on his arm. It was Arisu, slowly rising with a determined expression on her face. "Alex, please... don't. Don't let this consume you."

Her words pierced through him like lightning, and the internal struggle began. The rage inside him wavered, but Arisu's gaze anchored him to reality. She needed him, not as a killer, but as someone who would support her.

"But he hurt you," he said, his voice low and filled with frustration. "I can't let him get away with this."

"I know, but if you attack, you'll become just like him. We need to be better. The competition isn't won through violence. If you give in to anger, you'll lose yourself," she replied, her gaze steady.

Arisu's words resonated in his mind, and slowly, the darkness began to fade. Alex felt his bloodlust receding, leaving him with a sense of confusion. It was a struggle between instinct and reason, but the fact that Arisu was looking at him helped him regain control.

"Okay," he murmured, his voice tense. "I won't do it. But that doesn't mean I won't keep an eye on him."

She smiled at him gratefully, and together they turned to Kakeru, who had been watching the scene with a sarcastic smile that was quickly fading. Alex's glare had frightened him; he knew that if Alex decided to attack, he couldn't stop him.

"I warned you once, Kakeru. You won't hurt her again," Alex reiterated, his tone now more serene but still laden with warning.

Kakeru, feeling the pressure of the moment, raised his hands in a sign of surrender, but his smile had vanished. "I'm just playing, Alex. Don't take it so seriously," he said, his voice a little shaky.

"There's always a price to pay for your games. You're lucky Arisu stopped me, because next time I won't be so lenient," Alex threatened him, his voice low and cold, making Kakeru feel a shiver run down his spine.

As the competition continued, Alex stayed close to Arisu, keeping a watchful eye on Kakeru. The dynamic among the three had become intense, and Alex wondered if Kakeru would learn not to cross his limits.

Finally, the competition came to an end, and although Arisu had done an excellent job, Kakeru had been a constant reminder that the rivalry at the school was fierce. As the event wrapped up, students dispersed, each commenting on the challenges and results.

Alex approached Arisu, who looked exhausted but satisfied. "You did amazing. I'm proud of you," he told her, feeling a strong appreciation for her effort.

"Thanks. I feel good about what I accomplished," she replied, smiling gratefully.

As they walked back to their room, Alex couldn't help but think about the future. He knew Kakeru wouldn't stop and that this was just the beginning. But at the same time, he had Arisu by his side, and that gave him strength.

"Let's get ready for what's coming," he told Arisu, determined to protect her from any shadow that approached.