Ephurium

Chapter 3

Ace's Point of View

The distance between the Gazebo and Art building was far in range since the two buildings were located at the opposite sides of the school boundaries. Sprinting as quick as I could across the pavements and through the oval, I finally breached the outside of the Art building. Something felt rather abnormal today, as I could sense mana throughout the school grounds. Maybe it was just my imagination?

Punching and slapping my face simultaneously to knock me out of my procrastination, I walked through the vast glass doors of the entrance of the building and climbed the stairs to the second floor. Out of expectancy, there was nobody in sight, other than the heavy breathing from my nostrils. I realised I accepted another fool request, especially from a girl who is worshipped more than God in my school.

"Jeez, what's wrong with kids these days?" I whispered to myself in disappointment right on the lunch bell.

The classroom doors suddenly all busted open and junior students overflowed the building like a nuclear explosion, probably racing to the school cafeteria to be first in line. Due to my unawareness, the race of the students forced me to levitate off the ground and threw me over the stairs, crashing onto the first-floor grounds.

"The hell is wrong with you kids?!" I yelled out in irritation and confusion. "Do you all wanna die or something?!!!"

But in response, they raspberry-blowed at me and ran away as quick as they could. I cursed those little bitches in my mind, swearing that I'll unscrew their heads like nuts and bolts someday! Sitting up from my fall, I encountered Stella in front of me, offering a hand to stand up. I took a few seconds to consider accepting her help thinking this might be a laid-out trap, but I acquired her hand in conclusion.

"You are really bad with kids, aren't you?" She covered her mouth a giggled. "But surprisingly you came here Ace, I never knew you accepted requests."

"It's not like anyone asks me for requests in the first place," I answered in gloominess. "I'm just a typical delinquent who everyone is scared of anyway."

"And why do you think they are scared of you?" She asks as she came closer to me. "Is it because of your actions? Is it because of your words?"

"It's because I physically and mentally harm people," I replied coldly.

"Of course, you are even known for that, but why do you do it?" Stella continued. "What can you gain from being sadistic and aggressive?"

I thought deeply to myself until pain breached all my brain cells. Should I be having fun in life or should I be helping other people? Maybe I should change who I was? What will happen if I suddenly break out of characteristic? Will people just make fun of me? Will I still be feeling the same happiness level as today? Remaining silence, I looked through her as I slightly raised my head. Her hairstyle was different compared to this morning and the scent of lavender perfume was even more refreshing than before.

"I doubt your true nature is someone who is violent and sadistic." She said as she turned her head and warmly smiled at me.

"I'm not going to fall for your trap and become necromanced by you," I replied, suddenly realising how easily she made me say what I wouldn't normally say, and that I should get straight to the point to avoid unveiling more information. "Tell me, what is the reason of you telling me to come here today?"

"I wanted to know about your special ability." She answered before changing into serious mode. "I also want to warn you that something might happen during or after lunchtime today, as I could sense a strong magic barrier being formed around the campus grounds."