Chapter 16:
Rectangular Hell.
DARK HIERARCHY
Dark and Shade were spotted walking along a shabby route, one which connected their dorm building to that of their class. Seems they were heading towards their dorm, probably the end of the day already.
The gloomy morning didn't last till evening, as the academy was scorched with bright rays.
Dark's phone suddenly started ringing, causing Dark to let out a subtle grunt not nearly enough to alter the quiet, immediate environment he and Shade shared.
He reached into his pocket, bringing out the handset he was given by the school, obviously only capable of calls and other activities that begin and end within the academy's borders.
But for some reason, 'Destiny' floated on his screen.
Dark furrowed his brows, unsure if he should answer or not.
After a short while, he placed the phone to his ear.
"Hello, Dark. It's been a week, how are you holding up?" Destiny's voice plagued Dark's ears, sharp and thick like that of a pure businessman. Totally different from what Dark knew.
"So I guess this is your true tone then?" Dark didn't bother to stop his stroll, with Shade calmly pacing behind him.
"I'm just calling to see if you're still alright, because I honestly don't understand why someone who is, would keep doing exactly the opposite of what was asked of him!" Dark could hear Destiny bang his hand on whatever surface he was faced with.
"This kid is gonna be the end of me, I should kill him– no no... I should get someone to do it quickly!"
Dark let out a faint smirk, "He's the same after all"
"I didn't go against anything you said, I'm just trying to survive like you asked," he retracted his grin.
"I'm sure no one would expect a kid with a lasting target to be so outspoken. I'm hiding in plain sight." Dark whispered into the phone, avoiding Shade's ears entirely.
He rolled his eyes back a little. Shade was obviously growing more curious and suspicious of his conversation, but hid it almost immediately, as he felt Dark's gaze.
"You're as naive as I thought, do you really think that strategy didn't cross my mind? I know the expenses of living such a lie, we're already pushing our luck with you at that school. How do you even intend to survive the headline task?" Destiny's business voice was back.
"I'm not worried about that,—" Dark casually folded his left palm twice,"—I'm steadily getting stronger, and I have a last line of defense if everything else fails," Dark stole a glance at Shade.
Destiny let out a heavy sigh, "I can't get through to you,"
"I may not be from this world, but I was the smartest in mine, and therefore the smartest here since you all are just about brons and no brains."
"Everything I'm doing now will come around to work in my favour." Dark couldn't be more confident.
"You still don't understand—"
"I do."
Dark's pace slowed down instantly till he came to a halt.
"Destiny— I need a favour." Dark's eyes narrowed. Shade stopped some paces ahead, turning around after noticing his partner wasn't on his way anymore.
"What is it?" Dark could easily pick out the restraint in Destiny's voice, definitely not in the mood to grant heaven and hell.
"I need you to use your influence on the school board, just this once."
Destiny scoffed, "If you're asking for a favour, at least act the part."
→ → →
Destiny slid his phone across his desk till it hit a pile of files, and he stared at it with great uncertainty.
He sighed as his brows relaxed,
"Just what is this brat planning?.."
↑→↓←↑→
THE NEXT DAY.
The duo stood opposite each other in an enclosed room or space, which was really hard to tell since the walls were covered with steamy white smoke.
The white lights screwed to the ceiling rhymed with the fairly white light produced by a rectangular marking on the somewhat graphite ground.
Dark suddenly stumbled backwards, coming into the embrace of a moist wall, his breaths were haggard and uneven, his face was drenched in sweat.
Though it was a weekend, he was still putting on his uniform, but he wasn't putting on his school jacket, and the white shirt stuck to his skin like glue.
Shade on the other hand, didn't look or feel like he was on the verge of death. He stood firmly within the rectangular marking, cracking his neck and arm bones from time to time.
I've used six different close-range fighting techniques in thirty minutes, and I still haven't made a scratch on him, Dark dragged his body off the wall, subtly staggering about.
This guy—
Dark's blurry vision made Shade out like a mystical being; Shade's eyes were completely covered by a stroke of shadow, and the rest of his physique just kept leaning in at him.
—is a monster!
Shade tilted his head, "C'mon now, don't tell me this is your limit,"
Dark steadied his eyes, focusing them on his mocker, he dragged his body back into the rectangular marking, watching Shade closely.
There was silence, at least for a second.
Shade raised his right arm, immediately sending chills down Dark's spine as the tired teen crossed both arms over his head in defence, but he knew... that wouldn't do anything.
Shade's arm dropped down on Dark.
Like a bomb, it threaded a straight path to its target, but Dark didn't even think of deflecting or dodging it.
Dark gnashed his teeth as Shade's arm collided with his.
He immediately bent a knee on impact, his whole body feeling like it was holding up a falling pillar, every second felt like hell until Shade lifted up his arm. Dark's eyes bulged out.
All shred of strength he had managed to recover outside the rectangular marking has been completely deleted in that single attack.
"Your resistance has greatly improved, and so has your core strength. You still have a long way to go," Shade smiled innocently, watching as his supposed partner abruptly gasped for air, repeatedly.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Dark faced the floor.
"Hmm?"
"Why are your arm strikes so powerful?" Dark cleaned off his dripping sweat as he stood back up.
"I'm changing techniques, get ready," Dark said as he bent his head sideways a little, standing really close to Shade.
Shade frowned, "Again? I strongly believe that no human fighting technique would bring you to the same level as a reaper; you need to stop fighting with that speed."
Dark took in a very deep breath, and Shade's words were instantly strangled, his instincts spiked, like he had found a threat.
They both stared at each other in silence, both opposite the other at the middle of the rectangle.
Suddenly, Dark crouched down, way faster than Shade could react, allowing only his eyes to subconsciously follow Dark's movements.
I perfected this technique a year ago, I haven't used it since then, since it requires great precision and muscle memory, which makes it a technique only I could use.
Everything slowed down, but obviously in a different way from before.This wasn't Lion's special skill, but raw speed.
Dark rushed up like a launched rocket, delivering a clean uppercut to Shade, whose body was still frozen before him.
Finally, I'm going to wi—
Dark immediately felt a huge weight at his right waist side, like an imploding gigantic bullet. But it was just Shade's folded fist, thrusting into him...
"The hell?"
Dark was sent flying, his body was thrown far out of the rectangular marking and a chime sound instantly echoed.
"Shade wins, score is thirteen to zero." The AI program announced in its forever cryptic manner.
I still lost, even after pulling out my trump card. It's useless, a simple human like me can't beat that monster, Dark could barely collect his thoughts.
Dark carries himself up, panting aggressively. He glanced at Shade who stood confidently within the marking, holding his jaw.
"You — hit me,"
"Didn't seem to make that much of a difference," Dark dragged himself up.
"That speed was beautiful, I couldn't keep up with your movements even if it was for just a second. Dark that technique..." Shade stared intently at his palm, which was whitened by the lighting.
"You need to perfect it, and beat me." Shade's eyes were totally spiralling, completely tranced as he glared at Dark.
Dark rubbed the back of his neck, not scared but familiar.
"Tell me about it," he said.
"I think this particular training room is tired of seeing me fail so much, I'm out for today." Dark strolled over to a thick wooden bench, situated at one edge of the room.
The gloomy morning didn't last till evening, as the academy was scorched with bright rays.
Dark's phone suddenly started ringing, causing Dark to let out a subtle grunt not nearly enough to alter the quiet, immediate environment he and Shade shared.
He reached into his pocket, bringing out the handset he was given by the school, obviously only capable of calls and other activities that begin and end within the academy's borders.
But for some reason, 'Destiny' floated on his screen.
Dark furrowed his brows, unsure if he should answer or not.
After a short while, he placed the phone to his ear.
"Hello, Dark. It's been a week, how are you holding up?" Destiny's voice plagued Dark's ears, sharp and thick like that of a pure businessman. Totally different from what Dark knew.
"So I guess this is your true tone then?" Dark didn't bother to stop his stroll, with Shade calmly pacing behind him.
"I'm just calling to see if you're still alright, because I honestly don't understand why someone who is, would keep doing exactly the opposite of what was asked of him!" Dark could hear Destiny bang his hand on whatever surface he was faced with.
"This kid is gonna be the end of me, I should kill him– no no... I should get someone to do it quickly!"
Dark let out a faint smirk, "He's the same after all"
"I didn't go against anything you said, I'm just trying to survive like you asked," he retracted his grin.
"I'm sure no one would expect a kid with a lasting target to be so outspoken. I'm hiding in plain sight." Dark whispered into the phone, avoiding Shade's ears entirely.
He rolled his eyes back a little. Shade was obviously growing more curious and suspicious of his conversation, but hid it almost immediately, as he felt Dark's gaze.
"You're as naive as I thought, do you really think that strategy didn't cross my mind? I know the expenses of living such a lie, we're already pushing our luck with you at that school. How do you even intend to survive the headline task?" Destiny's business voice was back.
"I'm not worried about that,—" Dark casually folded his left palm twice,"—I'm steadily getting stronger, and I have a last line of defense if everything else fails," Dark stole a glance at Shade.
Destiny let out a heavy sigh, "I can't get through to you,"
"I may not be from this world, but I was the smartest in mine, and therefore the smartest here since you all are just about brons and no brains."
"Everything I'm doing now will come around to work in my favour." Dark couldn't be more confident.
"You still don't understand—"
"I do."
Dark's pace slowed down instantly till he came to a halt.
"Destiny— I need a favour." Dark's eyes narrowed. Shade stopped some paces ahead, turning around after noticing his partner wasn't on his way anymore.
"What is it?" Dark could easily pick out the restraint in Destiny's voice, definitely not in the mood to grant heaven and hell.
"I need you to use your influence on the school board, just this once."
Destiny scoffed, "If you're asking for a favour, at least act the part."
→ → →
DESTINY'S RESIDENCE {THE BLACK WAGON}
Destiny slid his phone across his desk till it hit a pile of files, and he stared at it with great uncertainty.
He sighed as his brows relaxed,
"Just what is this brat planning?.."
↑→↓←↑→
THE NEXT DAY.
The duo stood opposite each other in an enclosed room or space, which was really hard to tell since the walls were covered with steamy white smoke.
The white lights screwed to the ceiling rhymed with the fairly white light produced by a rectangular marking on the somewhat graphite ground.
Dark suddenly stumbled backwards, coming into the embrace of a moist wall, his breaths were haggard and uneven, his face was drenched in sweat.
Though it was a weekend, he was still putting on his uniform, but he wasn't putting on his school jacket, and the white shirt stuck to his skin like glue.
Shade on the other hand, didn't look or feel like he was on the verge of death. He stood firmly within the rectangular marking, cracking his neck and arm bones from time to time.
I've used six different close-range fighting techniques in thirty minutes, and I still haven't made a scratch on him, Dark dragged his body off the wall, subtly staggering about.
This guy—
Dark's blurry vision made Shade out like a mystical being; Shade's eyes were completely covered by a stroke of shadow, and the rest of his physique just kept leaning in at him.
—is a monster!
Shade tilted his head, "C'mon now, don't tell me this is your limit,"
Dark steadied his eyes, focusing them on his mocker, he dragged his body back into the rectangular marking, watching Shade closely.
There was silence, at least for a second.
Shade raised his right arm, immediately sending chills down Dark's spine as the tired teen crossed both arms over his head in defence, but he knew... that wouldn't do anything.
Shade's arm dropped down on Dark.
Like a bomb, it threaded a straight path to its target, but Dark didn't even think of deflecting or dodging it.
Dark gnashed his teeth as Shade's arm collided with his.
He immediately bent a knee on impact, his whole body feeling like it was holding up a falling pillar, every second felt like hell until Shade lifted up his arm. Dark's eyes bulged out.
All shred of strength he had managed to recover outside the rectangular marking has been completely deleted in that single attack.
"Your resistance has greatly improved, and so has your core strength. You still have a long way to go," Shade smiled innocently, watching as his supposed partner abruptly gasped for air, repeatedly.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Dark faced the floor.
"Hmm?"
"Why are your arm strikes so powerful?" Dark cleaned off his dripping sweat as he stood back up.
"I'm changing techniques, get ready," Dark said as he bent his head sideways a little, standing really close to Shade.
Shade frowned, "Again? I strongly believe that no human fighting technique would bring you to the same level as a reaper; you need to stop fighting with that speed."
Dark took in a very deep breath, and Shade's words were instantly strangled, his instincts spiked, like he had found a threat.
They both stared at each other in silence, both opposite the other at the middle of the rectangle.
Suddenly, Dark crouched down, way faster than Shade could react, allowing only his eyes to subconsciously follow Dark's movements.
I perfected this technique a year ago, I haven't used it since then, since it requires great precision and muscle memory, which makes it a technique only I could use.
Everything slowed down, but obviously in a different way from before.This wasn't Lion's special skill, but raw speed.
Dark rushed up like a launched rocket, delivering a clean uppercut to Shade, whose body was still frozen before him.
Finally, I'm going to wi—
Dark immediately felt a huge weight at his right waist side, like an imploding gigantic bullet. But it was just Shade's folded fist, thrusting into him...
"The hell?"
Dark was sent flying, his body was thrown far out of the rectangular marking and a chime sound instantly echoed.
"Shade wins, score is thirteen to zero." The AI program announced in its forever cryptic manner.
I still lost, even after pulling out my trump card. It's useless, a simple human like me can't beat that monster, Dark could barely collect his thoughts.
Dark carries himself up, panting aggressively. He glanced at Shade who stood confidently within the marking, holding his jaw.
"You — hit me,"
"Didn't seem to make that much of a difference," Dark dragged himself up.
"That speed was beautiful, I couldn't keep up with your movements even if it was for just a second. Dark that technique..." Shade stared intently at his palm, which was whitened by the lighting.
"You need to perfect it, and beat me." Shade's eyes were totally spiralling, completely tranced as he glared at Dark.
Dark rubbed the back of his neck, not scared but familiar.
"Tell me about it," he said.
"I think this particular training room is tired of seeing me fail so much, I'm out for today." Dark strolled over to a thick wooden bench, situated at one edge of the room.
"You're so dead on Monday, anyone could challenge you, you're in no way ready to be in any battle." Shade sighed still within the rectangular marking.
"I have the best history of continuous self-improvement during battle. Maybe it's what I need,"
Shade scoffed, stepping out of the marking, now sure Dark wasn't getting back in for no one.
'With each passing day, I get more reasons to tag this guy as a demonic mystery. He's crazily overpowered and secretive, I'm obviously the only one who doesn't know what he was involved in, in the past.' Dark began his daily inner thinking and reflection.
Dark tapped his watch and the figure '1269' was written.
It hasn't increased as I suspected, it skipped to this figure then got stuck. I need to speak with Destiny again. Even Shade seemed truly clueless too, so at least it's not a brand for Leachers.
Just then his phone dinged in his jacket's pocket, jolting him out of thought.
He reached for the stand in which he had hung his jacket and pried it free.
Someone had sent him a text message, an unknown identity, and it read;
"Come to the field behind the first-year female dorms, I would like to speak with you"
Dark stared at the message, scanning through each word.
Like hell I would,
he made to pocket his phone when another ding came in.
"Come alone. Starlight."
Dark searched his brain, as casually as he could while Shade stared at him.
"What's up?" Shade nudged in.
"Who's Starlight again? I could have sworn I've heard that name before." Dark looked at his roommate, his eyes plain and flat, honestly searching for a very obvious thing.
"You're kidding right? That's Tiger's sister."
Dark snapped his fingers, "I knew I'd heard that name before,"
Suddenly, his facial expression immediately changed, growing sour and ominous.
"Wait—" he stared at the message once more.
"What the hell does she want with me?"
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