The Killer in The Clasrroom Of The Elite

Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Calculated Moves

The tension between Alex and Kaito only intensified after the competition. While Alex had emerged victorious, Kaito's resentment had not dissipated. In fact, it seemed to grow, lingering in the shadows of every hallway, in every look exchanged across classrooms and training sessions. For Kaito, this wasn't just about a loss—it was about proving his superiority.

One afternoon, as Alex and Arisu were reviewing their schedules, she sighed, glancing at him thoughtfully. "He's not going to stop, you know. Kaito is fixated on you."

Alex shrugged, his expression calm. "He'll try to make things difficult. But he won't succeed."

Arisu's eyes softened slightly as she looked at him. "Be careful, Alex. He's determined, and people like him... they don't always play by the rules."

"Neither do I," he replied, his voice laced with steely determination. "And I don't take threats lightly."

She nodded, knowing that beneath Alex's calm exterior lay a relentless, unyielding force.

A few days later, Kaito orchestrated a clever scheme. During a scheduled group training, Kaito assigned Alex and Arisu to different teams, separating them in a way that seemed almost innocent, a mere coincidence. But Alex knew better. It was an opportunity for Kaito to try to unnerve him or perhaps even catch him off-guard.

The exercise was designed to test strategic thinking and adaptability. Each team was tasked with infiltrating and securing a simulated facility, competing against the other to claim control. As the exercise began, Alex took command, directing his teammates efficiently, though his mind remained alert to any signs of trouble from Kaito.

The simulation was progressing well until a sudden explosion echoed from a nearby hallway. Alex tensed, his instincts flaring. The explosion was part of the training, but something about its timing felt off. He knew Kaito was nearby, and he wasn't one to rely on conventional tactics.

Without missing a beat, Alex directed his team to secure the area before moving cautiously toward the source of the explosion. As he rounded a corner, he spotted Arisu, her team pinned down by simulated "enemy" fire. She was unhurt but momentarily vulnerable.

A surge of anger rose in him as he noticed Kaito nearby, watching the chaos unfold with a smug expression. Kaito's plan was clear—he had set this up to put Arisu in harm's way, likely hoping to push Alex over the edge.

Something dark flickered in Alex's eyes as he locked onto Kaito. His presence radiated a chilling intensity, his body tense as an invisible, lethal force rippled off him—a cold, unrestrained bloodlust. It was a side of Alex that only his enemies had seen, a side that didn't hesitate to silence any threat, no matter the cost.

Kaito's smugness faltered as he met Alex's gaze, his own confidence wavering in the face of such raw, murderous intent. For a fleeting moment, fear flashed in Kaito's eyes, and he took a step back, unsettled by the darkness in Alex's expression.

But before Alex could act, Arisu called out, her voice steady. "Alex."

Her voice brought him back, grounding him. Alex blinked, the bloodlust receding as he refocused. Arisu's calm gaze held his, a silent reminder of the control he'd cultivated, the discipline he couldn't afford to lose.

Taking a deep breath, Alex pulled back, his expression returning to its usual calm. Kaito, visibly unnerved, quickly composed himself, though the fear lingered in his gaze.

Arisu approached Alex, her tone quiet but firm. "Let's finish this exercise. Kaito isn't worth it."

With a final glare at Kaito, Alex nodded, and together they resumed their focus on the exercise. Though the tension remained thick, Alex's mind was clear. Kaito had revealed his desperation, and in doing so, had shown just how unprepared he was for the true stakes.

Later that evening, as they returned to their quarters, Arisu turned to Alex, her expression contemplative. "You don't have to prove yourself to him. Kaito will only keep pushing, but he's not your equal."

Alex nodded, a small smirk forming. "He knows it, too. That's why he's afraid."

Arisu's smile was faint but warm. "Good. Let him be. And remember, you have nothing to prove to anyone here."

As they walked through the academy, Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose. Kaito's schemes were nothing more than distractions, fleeting attempts at control. And Alex knew he would outmaneuver him at every turn, holding fast to the unbreakable bond he shared with Arisu.