Preemptive Strike
1204 Words
"Is something wrong mister secretary? You got your eyebrows crossed."
"I apologize for such uncivilized act, sir. Something urgent was sent to me, and it contained classified data that mustn't be left ignored."
"Is that so? Very well. We're almost there."
If the intel just sent to me is correct, our real destination would be...
Very well.
It's been a while since I did this. Now's the time to start the operation then.
I used a a rune card to make myself invisible and to create a version of 'me' walking alongside the Dawn Edge Academy's chairman. This is an original one, and no one could ever copy it.
Rune cards are activated by using rune essence. To put it bluntly, it's like a fairy wand used by a fairy to release a magical spell. They're more like catalysts. It is also unnecessary to purchase something for rune cards to reside since it merges with the human body with the help of a merging machine. Talk about a living vessel of rune cards. To use one, you'll just use your brain and remember the effects of the rune card, as well as the name if it has one.
Well, that's the basic.
But before one could mass produce those cards, it should be gained from dungeons. Every dungeon that emerges hold infinite possibilities of obtaining a card from those monsters. With that, after someone gained a rune card, they'll have the opportunity to share it to the Bureau and receive a reward.
Rune cards can be purchased in all Bureau branches worldwide and the price ranges from 100 to 55000 points.
Aside from that, there are rune card sets that were either purchasable in a hefty price, or were used by VIPs.
Some cards from their respective sets are separated from one another (and were owned mostly by VIPs; they made it to heirlooms and the like) like the Tarot Set, and the Sinful Cards.
Lectures aside...
My rune card might be mistaken as the [Clone] and I appreciate that my skill would never be revealed.
As for its name, I didn't thought of one.
It's a hassle.
I prefer to use my mind in RPGs rather than thinking of a name.
Now then, let's do some backtrack.
I noticed that we're walking in a manner like how some taxi drivers take the long way for a higher fare. There's no need to do it; the gymnasium is visible from the gate, so it makes sense that one could just walk straight towards it.
Oh?
Aren't those guys the ones who tried to steal my phone? Where are they going?
"Hey traitor! Buy me some juice, will you?"
"Okay."
"Tch. Obedient as always. Here, throw this can of mine."
The aluminum can hit the girl's head with a clang.
Damn. These guys are toxic.
I hope that not all students here are like that.
I could've helped, but it would most likely blow up my cover. Ugh, my sister would be mad if she'll know about this. I internally apologize for the bullied girl.
"....okay."
Huh? That face... isn't that Cory's and the chairman's youngest sister?
I wasn't able to see the girl's face earlier since my vision is blocked by those thugs' backs.
"Ah yes, you're on duty for those bitches in that warehouse. You better not repeat that mistake, or else we'll punish you severely this time."
She just nodded her head.
!?
Blood is oozing out from her head! I think it's the part where the can landed earlier. How could he hit her so hard?
As if she's immune to pain, she just walked away.
If I'm in Ela's shoes, I would certainly be remorseful. If this would happen to my sister, I'll make sure to trample anyone who dared to cross a line they shouldn't have crossed.
These thugs, I'll make them pay for that.
I walked towards the g**g. I'll worry no more about giving away my presence...
Hmm?
Presence...
That's it!
I stopped walking and started talking instead. Of course, to keep up with the act, I uttered my words in a vengeful manner.
("Hey...you.")
"Huh? Did any of you twerps said something?"
"No, I haven't."
"Same here man."
"I swear that I heard a voice. It must've been my imagination."
("Who said that I'm not real?")
The scoundrels panicked as my ghastly voice is heard. Ah well, it might be more refreshing to see these guys pee their pants.
"Show yourself, coward!"
("There's no need... you're...in my list now.")
"What? List of what!?"
("...")
I spoke no further. It'll be suspected as a fluke easily if I'd responded...in words.
But who said that I can't respond by other means?
"BAH, let's just go back to our...room..."
"What's wrong, pal?"
"Yeah, you suddenly paused for a moment there."
"..."
The other guys (they're six in all, the one being questioned excluded in the count) looked at him and found themselves in a pickle.
As of why, uh...well let's not talk about it. Specific details omitted, I used a card to give him a mild nightmare.
He's now lying on solid ground, motionless, had his eyes wide open...and mumbling non-stop.
Well that's it for the revenge. I need to follow the girl.
As I went away, their panicked voices intensifies.
"Hey...HEY! Guys, he's down!"
"Let's bring him to the infirmary right now!"
"Who's responsible for this!?"
"Who knows!? Stop thinking about it, we need to bring him to the nurse!"
•••
Which now brings us to this situation.
In front of me are the secretaries of Ela. As for the reason why I'm able to identify them easily...their clothes, though tattered, are screaming, " Greetings! I'm a secretary". By the way, why are there four secretaries?
"Chairman...? You mean Rose Crimson herself sent you? That's a relief!"
"How are you able to come here anyway?"
"I followed you. Now come on, we don't have the time to waste."
"But we'll be easily spotted here."
"That much I know. Hey, uhh..."
"It's Snow."
"Oh, right. Please come with me as well. Your sister asked me of this."
"My sister does?"
I just nodded at her.
"But I can't afford to leave this school."
"It's because the real chairman of this academy is in your care right?"
"Eh? How did you know?"
"Your sister told me. Anyway, you guys decide: cooperate with me and escape, or stay here. It'll be your choice."
All of them looked at each other and nodded.
It seems that they're willing (or else everything I set up will be for naught).
"Let me ask you guys one thing."
"What is it?"
"Did you guys use custom cards?"
Custom card is a category of Originals. To make things simple, these are Original cards that were publicized and were now used for their own convenience. Good examples of these cards are Leen's publicized rune cards.
The reason why asked of this is because my Original card I'm about to use needs certain requirements for it to be used on others. One of which is their compatibility to Original cards.
"Ah, yes. It's Lady Leen's [Feminity Protection]."
I guess I should buy some gifts for Leen.
- Writer
