Zein's Point of View
I hate how people call it weakness when someone walks away. It takes courage to admit when something isn't working anymore, especially after trying so hard. Leaving behind a life someone once built or a future they hoped for, knowing it might hurt more than staying, is never easy. Sometimes bravery isn't about holding on tight. It's about quietly letting go.
No matter how hard I tried to listen to Sir Alvarez's lecture, nothing was sinking in. My mind was drifting, always ending up with the same nagging question: Where is he? Ever since he got suspended, I hadn't seen him at all. Even Teacher Kath and Vice Ty hadn't said a word about it.
As usual, class ended without me understanding a single thing. I was quickly shoving my stuff back into my bag when a small box caught my eye. I waited until everyone else had left the room before finally pulling it out. My chest tightened as I remembered the days when things weren't this complicated. My lip started to tremble, so I tried my best to shake off the thoughts disturbing me.
I slowly opened the box and took out the dagger. I could clearly see my reflection on the blade, but a symbol caught my attention—a black dragon with one red eye. My brows furrowed as a certain name flashed through my mind the moment I saw the eye. Blood-red. Terrifying. Raze. Raze Silvenia?
"Who gave you that?"
I was so startled that I dropped the knife, and it hit the floor with a loud clang. I glared at Jerome, who was standing there with his forehead creased, staring at me. He picked up the knife to inspect it. "Who the hell gave you this knife?"
"Why? What's the deal with that knife?" I asked. Jerome grabbed the box on my armchair, put the knife back inside, and set it down. I quickly tucked it back into my bag. "Do you have no idea what that mark means?" he asked.
"Devil God Warrior?" I guessed.
Jerome smirked before shoving his hands into his pockets. "I don't know why or who gave that to you, but that's Raze Silvenia's symbol. Not the Devil God Warriors."
My mouth slightly gaped. Supremo gave this to me, not Raze. If it belonged to Raze, how did it end up with Ace? "H-huh? How do you know?" I asked.
"I'm one of the Devil God Warriors," he said simply.
My brain literally stalled. Jerome was a member of the DGW? Was that why he was in the H10? Did he sneak out every night like Matt? "Stop torturing yourself with all those damn questions, Zein. You'll get your answers... soon."
The excitement I used to feel heading to the SSG office was gone. Even though I knew he wouldn't be around, I couldn't help but feel disappointed seeing his empty desk. No trace of him at all. As usual, Teacher Kath and Vice Ty were buried in work. I couldn't stop staring at that empty chair. wherever he was, I hoped he was safe.
"It is better this way." I snapped out of my thoughts when Teacher Kath stood in front of me. She was smiling, and I could tell it wasn't fake. "I didn't know you were this strong. Maybe I really did underestimate you... the way Supremo sees you. Thank you, Ms. Shion."
My chest felt tight. "Thank you for saving him," she added. I wanted her to stop because the wounds were still so fresh. "I... I just did what I had to do," I managed to reply.
"And I commend you for such bravery. Because of you, Headmistress Violet's plan didn't go through."
My brows shot up. "What do you mean, Ms. Kath?"
She went back to her desk and leaned back. "Headmistress Violet has been trying to find a way to kick President Ace out of his position for a long time now."
"Why?" I asked.
"She couldn't do it because the HU students love Supremo Ace. He won over the entire student body and earned everyone's respect. She can't just strip him of his power because she knows the entire population would revolt. Until you came into his life."
She looked at me intensely. "The headmistress finally had a weapon to use against the person she couldn't beat. But you ruined her evil plans. If you had been weak back then, she probably would have succeeded."
"What exactly was her plan?"
"To put her own son in power. Liam Rivera. Yes. Madame Violet Rivera's son."
Stunned, I closed my eyes. So that was why Liam was in the Highest 10 despite not being a big deal. He was the fallback.
I excused myself to get some air at the Secret Garden. I sat on the roots of a tree and let myself drift off. In my dream, a shadowy figure emerged. He was protecting a girl. It hurt to watch them hug, a sharp pain slicing through my heart. Behind them, shadows held daggers. I tried to warn them, but no sound came out.
I woke up drenched in sweat. Hoy licked my hand, and I smiled, picking him up. But the feeling of being watched returned. Suddenly, I remembered what Celine told me. Was someone spying on me?
I kept walking until someone grabbed my arm. It was Nurse Cha. She was shaking. "What happened, Nurse Cha?" I asked, setting Hoy down.
"Z-Zein, I have bad news," she whispered, tears falling. "Th-they already know."
"Know what?"
She leaned into my ear. "They already know about the secret formula."
Chills ran down my spine. Only one thing was racing through my mind... Chaos is about to arrive.