Game of Divines (GoD)

Chapter V: A School Under Siege

"Alright, class, we have a new transfer student. Come on in!" our teacher announced, her voice bright and cheerful as the door creaked open.

"It's a boy!"

"He's cute!"

Whispers immediately filled the room. I had my head resting on my arms, only half paying attention, until curiosity got the better of me. Lifting my head from my desk, I squinted to get a better look at the new student.

"This is Cain," the teacher introduced with a smile.

For a second, I froze. My heart skipped a beat. No... It couldn't be.

Without thinking, I jumped up from my seat, knocking my chair backward.

"Wait... Is this some kind of joke?!" I shouted, my voice louder than I intended.

"Huh? What's up with Judah?" one of my classmates muttered, confused by my outburst.

"Yeah, totally over-the-top reaction," another added.

The entire class turned to stare at me, their expressions ranging from confused to amused. I felt their gazes burning into me, but I couldn't care less. All I could focus on was Cain.

Of all the schools, of all the classes, why here? Why now?

I sat back down slowly, trying to gather my thoughts, my mind racing. I hadn't accepted my role as the God Candidate for the Judas District. I had made that perfectly clear. So why had Cain followed me to school? What was he planning?

Throughout the rest of the lesson, I couldn't focus. My mind was clouded, thoughts swirling around. Cain was sitting right next to me, his presence heavy and unavoidable. How was I supposed to absorb anything when the person tasked with overseeing my destiny was right there?

Minutes passed in a blur. I hadn't even realized class was over until I saw everyone packing up their things. I, however, remained glued to my seat, unable to move. I kept glancing over at Cain, who seemed perfectly calm, almost as if none of this phased him.

"I told them I didn't want this," I muttered under my breath, "I don't want to be the God Candidate. So why does he have to be here?"

Suddenly, a classmate broke the silence, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, Cain! What do you think about the God Candidate of the Judas District? And their disciples?"

The question hung in the air, catching me off guard. I wasn't the only one surprised.

"Huh? Why ask Cain something like that?" another classmate chimed in, confused.

"Well, we always talk about G.O.D., right? I'm just curious to hear his opinion."

Cain's eyes flickered toward me before he answered, his voice calm and composed. "The disciples of the Judas District's God Candidate are strong. And I believe the God Candidate is just as powerful."

His words sent a chill down my spine. That last part—was that aimed at me? Why was he here, really? There had to be more to this than he was letting on. I couldn't shake the feeling that his presence was directly tied to my role as the God Candidate.

"C-Cain, can we talk for a minute?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. I needed answers.

Cain stood up immediately, his expression serious as he turned to face me. "Of course, Your Majesty. What can I do for you?" To my horror, he knelt down in front of me, his head bowed in a gesture of submission.

"Get up!" I hissed, my face flushing red. "Someone might see you!"

Cain rose gracefully, his expression unreadable. "What is it you need, my King?"

I hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I... I just wanted to know why you had to—"

Before I could finish, one of our classmates entered the room, carrying a large box.

"Cain, could you help me carry this to the office? There's more stuff in the other classroom," she asked, struggling under the weight of the box.

"Go ahead," I sighed, realizing I wouldn't get my answers now. "We'll talk later."

Cain gave me a small nod before turning to help her. I watched them leave the classroom, my mind still spinning with questions. Did Cain really come here just to watch over me? Did he think I wasn't safe? I was at school, after all. No one here knew about my role as the God Candidate. Or so I thought.

"Excuse me, can I ask a question?" a deep voice suddenly echoed from the door.

I turned to see a tall man standing there, his figure casting a long shadow across the floor. His presence was unsettling, and for a moment, I didn't recognize him.

"Sure," I replied, my voice unsure. Who is this guy?

"Do you know Judah from this class? I'm looking for him."

My heart skipped a beat. "Ah, th-that's me. What do you need?"

The man stepped closer, his face partially hidden by the dark blue hair that covered his left eye. He was tall, muscular, and appeared to be in his early thirties.

"You don't remember me?" he asked, a strange smile forming on his lips. "I'm disappointed. Because I know you very well."

My pulse quickened. I didn't know him. I was sure of it. But the way he spoke sent alarm bells ringing in my head.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember you," I said cautiously, taking a step back.

He chuckled softly. "How unfortunate. Because I know exactly who you are." His voice dropped, growing more menacing. "You are Judah, the God Candidate of the Judas District."

His words hit me like a truck. I felt a surge of energy from him, overwhelming and suffocating. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the floor, unable to stand against the pressure.

"Thaddaeus District God Candidate detected in the area. This is not a drill. Please evacuate to your nearest shelter. I repeat, God Candidates have been—" the school announcement blared.

Panic erupted. I could hear the frantic footsteps of students fleeing and the deafening sounds of lockers being slammed shut as chaos unfolded around me.

But I couldn't move. My body wouldn't respond. I was too terrified.

Is this why Cain was sent here? Did my disciples know this was going to happen?

Cain. Where was he?

"Judah!" Cain's voice cut through the noise as he burst into the classroom. His eyes locked onto the Thaddaeus Candidate, and without hesitation, he launched a punch at him.

The Thaddaeus Candidate dodged effortlessly, a smirk forming on his lips. "Do you really think you can hit me? I'm Thaddaeus! A God Candidate!"

Cain swung again, but his opponent was faster, avoiding every strike. The force of Cain's missed punch shattered the wall behind them.

"Remember this, Judah!" the Thaddaeus Candidate shouted, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I will be the one to kill you!"

With that, he leaped through the window, disappearing as quickly as he had arrived.

I barely had time to process what happened before Cain grabbed me and pulled me out of the classroom. Explosions rocked the building, sending debris flying in all directions.

"I'm going to die... I'm going to die," I whispered to myself, my entire body trembling uncontrollably. I had never been this scared.

"Don't worry, King Judah," Cain's voice was calm, yet there was a chilling authority in it. "I'm here to protect you. I'll kill him for you."

How could he say that so casually? Killing... another person?

"I will do anything to protect the God Candidate of the Judas District. I won't let all our efforts go to waste."

"Anything?" I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper. I realized, then, that Cain would stop at nothing. He was here to protect me, no matter the cost.

I swallowed hard. "Cain... protect me."