The Second Hand of Time

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

AHEART-RENDING GOODBYE

Ijumped away as soon as I heard the voices. By the way, that was thefirst time I killed a person. I admit I was shaken by the fact thatI'm a murderer, but that's the least of my worries. At least fornow.

Standinga few feet in front of me are eight people. I recognized one.Vladimir was beside the man in the middle. Judging from their facesthey were related by blood. That includes the girl on the man'sright. She looked like Vladimir except her hair was longer and hereyelashes are longer. And her chest is slightly bigger, because youknow, she's a girl.

Anyway,beside Vladimir is a burly guy with a gauntlet shaped like aserpent's head. He was top-less except for the cloak which coveredhis shoulders.

Besidethat guy was a girl. Her black hair was long, almost reaching herknees. She was wearing quite a revealingtop which almost showed her you-know-what, and a miniskirt with ablack short underneath. She was wearing black combat boots withhigh-heels. She was carrying a whip with an end shaped like a snake.

Anyway,the guy beside Vladimir was certainly his dad. Except for his shortblond hair and thick, muscled body, he looked like Vladimir, whichmeant he's Victor, the owner of the school.

BesideVictor was wearing same clothes as Vladimir. But instead of a swordstick, she was carrying a rapier with viper designs for a hand guard.She had a crazy look in her eyes, like she just drank too muchcoffee.

Besidethat girl was a guy in a mask. The only visible part of his body washis long, white hair. He was wearing tight clothes which exposed hismuscles. His hands were covered in bandages though I'm not surewhy, but I think that's how he managed to look like a mummy. He wascovered in a black tattered cape that covered most of his body. Hecarried no weapon, but I'm sure he's not weaponless.

Besidethe masked guy is a guy who carried a great sword. The sword he wascarrying almost looked like the old Sanctifier.

Besidehim was a guy who carried large butcher knives. Judging from thesmile in his face and the blood in his knives, he probably murdered alot of people today.

Icouldn't help but feel angry instead of feeling terrified.

Victorsaw the corpse of the guy with the scythe. He studied me.

"That'syour first time killing a person, right?" He asked me.

"Whydo you care?" I demanded.

"Irecognize your skills, kid. I could invite you in our school." Hesaid. "You killed this guy, but you didn't look scared. I likethat."

"Huh?"I asked. "What do you mean?"

"Ican help you become this guy's—" He pointed at the guy with thescythe. "—replacement. James is a psycho. You could replace him."

Arethey joking? After everything they have done, they want me to comewith them? I already have an answer.

"No."I answered. "I refuse."

Hesmiled. "Then you have sealed your fate. You will die."

Ireadied my sword. Victor's elites readied their weapons too. ButVictor raised his hand, stopping his followers.

Hemarched forward, kicked away the guy with the scythe—James away.

Heturned to me. "I will give you a challenge." He said. "Fightone of my elites. Take your pick."