Returner's Revenge

Pillars

Having remember what James would turn out if he did not tell them the side effects of the imbedding of magic stones would do to humans, Kris gave James an insight of what must not be done. But Kris is determined to obliterate any thoughts in his mind to even consider continuing the experiment on his fellow species.

               [Now that I remember you James, I will put a stop and end to those dark times.] Kris says to himself when he woke up. For the first time in years, Kris woke up early before Johannes does, something that would be impossible for Kris but because of his first opportunity to change the future, he urge himself to wake up earlier than anyone.

               Kris left a note on the table so that Johannes will not panic once he sees that Kris is not around. The young man went straight for the cafeteria only to find that its lock and instantly regrets ever waking up much early than anyone. “Ugh, now I regret ever waking up this early.” He said to himself.

               Notice: There is still thirty more minutes before the cafeteria opens and it will take an hour more before they can serve the first dish. Conclusion: Eat outside the academy. Scanning. Scanning complete. A total of three shops open and ready to serve costumer. Calculating expenses. Calculation complete, total expenses for a breakfast meal will cost a silver coin.

               [Well, aren’t you nice. You did everything for me even the calculations and even found where the cheapest shop is. Now I feel so useless.] Kris just wants to punch himself when his life is this easy when the system helps him deliberately.  “Well, I guess if you have already wasted that much effort in helping me. Might as well take the opportunity and eat outside. Now then, lead the way.”

               Notice: I have already imprinted the map where the shop is located, you can go there without any of my guidance. That is all.

               Kris sighs as he walks out of the academy. “I want to eat outside since the cafeteria still needs thirty minutes more before opening and an hour to cook and serve the first dish.” He said to the guards guarding the gates who then move their spears out of the way. “Go, we know how you feel. We experience it ever since we worked here. Go and savor your meal.” Kris walks out of the gate without any problems but then felt guilty by what he is about to do.

               [Wow- that was really touching. I never thought that a guard like him would use charismatic choice of words. They even look like they are about to cry when saying those things. I wonder why the cafeteria opens so late. Now I feel bad about those guards.] Kris got to the shop without getting lost even once and return back after twenty minutes.

               “Looks like you ate for a while. Welcome back.” The guard says as Kris greets them back. “Yeah and I brought you guys this. I know it’s not much since I’m broke as hell but I felt bad for being the only one that gets to eat early so I brought you guys this.” The guards were on the verge of tears when Kris handed them the food and thanks him for his concern and then leaves for James’ room.

               [System, can you locate where James is right now?] Kris ask and the system immediately scans for James.

               Notice: The subject James cannot be located.

               Kris clicks his tongue after the system failed to locate James. [If the system failed to locate him then it would be impossible for me even if I search for him.] but even with that in his mind. He still asked the system to give him the place where James’ room is just to make sure. “He really isn’t here. Where the heck could he be?” Kris then gave up since there are other opportunities for him in the next days since they tend to meet after all.

               “Now that the plan with James got cancelled. I should train myself in the training room. There is still time.” Kris leisurely walks in the hallway when all of the sudden the system warns him about a group of students waiting for him at the corner of the hallway.

               Notice: Four students is expecting you at the end of the hallway. They are emitting essence of murderous auras, they are most likely people that you have angered. Conclusion: Mathos is the one of two candidates that is likely to do something like that.

               [Well, I can see that Mathos will do that since he is a sore loser through and through but who is the other candidate ?] he ask the system but the system remained silent and unresponsive. “Wow you really have to leave me alone like that. When I really need you.] at this point, Kris wants to hit the system just once but without any body nor physical manifestation, it remained just his dream.

               Not interested in the groups’ plans, Kris called out to them instead. “Why don’t you all step out? Even a goat can sense your murderous aura from here.” Kris says out loud for the group to hear him clearly and then they walk inside Kris’ view. “Well, well, well. I did not expect you to find us that easily. I guess the rumors about you being strong is true after all.” A student that is only making his appearance for the first time said with a huge grin on his face.

               But for Kris, it was different. He immediately recognize the person that appeared before him. “Duke Graine.” Kris grinds his teeth and clench his fist when he see one of the founding members of the organization, a pillar is what the organization will later called them. “That’s unfair, I only knew your name from the rumors but you have already found out who I was. You are making me feel bad here.” Duke Graine says with the same tone just as Kris remembers in his past life before he died.

               [Duke Graine, I will kill you. I swear I will kill you, you bastard.] Kris continues to glare at Duke and the people around him did not take it kindly. “Stop it, we  came here to recruit him not beat him to death. I’m sorry about what my subordinates just did. They are just the protective type so there is no need for you to worry. I came here on the behalf of my senior. They want me to invite you to our group and be part of our or-“

               Duke stop talking when Kris gestures him not to speak any more. “I don’t care what you say and don’t want to hear it so there is no need to say everything that your seniors told you say since I will be declining  your proposal anyway.” Kris says with a cold tone and then reach the limit of the patience beside Duke who immediately lunges towards Kris.

               Notice: A subject with strong capabilities is stepping in in, three,  two one.

               BAM!

               “What are you kids doing early in the morning? And what are you planning on lunging towards this student? Don’t you feel ashamed on ganging a student? This is why I hate nobles.”  A teacher with a bored face ask the two students after catching their heads and stopping them on their tracks. “Teacher Mephis-“ one of the students mutters after realizing the identity of the person who caught them. The teacher then turns to him with the same bored look on his face.

               “I am not the most popular teacher here but that surprised me.” He said without being surprised. He then let go of their heads and warned them not to play around in the hallways. “This is not a playground and you are no longer kids so bare that in mind. If I see you all doing the same thing again. I will personally take care of all of you. And that goes for you as well, stop messing with nobles, because nobles are nobles and messing with nobles invites danger.”

               Mephisto says to Kris who immediately thanks for his help. “Don’t mention it. Now I need to go back to- what am I supposed to do again? Well, no matter. I will remember it eventually.” Mephisto came from his room where he was cooking his breakfast when he came to stop the fight before it starts. Forgetting of the fact that he is cooking, Mephisto turns to the cafeteria and order his food but by the time he returns to his room, the teacher that is close to him have already put out the fire.

               “Oh crap, I totally forgot about cooking. I’m really sorry for troubling you Mr. Fright.” The teacher sighs. “How many times do I have to tell you? You  can call me Clarence. Its not like we only spend a few days together in this academy Mephisto.” The teachers says with a smile on his face but Mephisto remains with the same boring expression.

               “Aren’t you going to consider our offer.” Duke continues to invite him but Kris is certain that he is not willing to join. “I don’t care what you do, but I am not joining your group so don’t bother me from now on.”  Kris says as he pass by them. The other students could not do anything when he just walk between them after learning that one of the teachers, specifically Mephisto came to stop the fight.

               Their fear of his fury made them stand aside and do nothing even when Kris is straight up declining Duke’s invitation. “Don’t blame me if my group doesn’t take this kindly. Your refusal will cost you something, you should be vigilant.” Duke warned Kris with his words but the young man is so pissed that he can’t bare to look at Duke’s face at the moment.

               “If you want to do anything then come at me. I won’t run away from you.” Kris declares with the same cold tone without turning back and continues to walk away. [You bastards, so you are recruiting people even from the academy. I will. I will crush you all. I will take down those pillars with my own hands. And I will see your castle of minions crumble.] Kris says to himself as he bit his lips until it bleeds.

               “What do you want to do Duke? If he hears this, he will be furious.” One of the terrified students said to Duke but the young man can’t take off his eyes from Kris. “He did not put a deadline when recruiting that guy so there is still a chance. Everyone has a price, you know that better than anyone.” He said with a confident tone. “Let’s go. There is no longer any meaning in staying here.” The three of them left.

               “Who is next on the list?” a voice came from beside them and a woman appears. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s the kid from the Dean family. What was his name again, James?” he says with a calm tone. “You look happy. Are you perhaps glad that there is really a student that would refuse joining the organization?” the girl said with a huge smile on her face. “I also find him quite odd and interesting. He did not even listen to everything that you said and straight up refused the invitation.”

               The smile on her face then disappears and warns Duke to be wary of Kris. But don’t get too fixated on him. I don’t have a good feeling about that guy. He is interesting just as he is mysterious.  Don’t let your guard down either. Even my spell can’t analyze a thing bout him, it felt like something is blocking me from getting any kind of information.” She added.

               Duke smiles and thank her for her concern. “Don’t worry Sarah, I will keep that in mind.” Duke says with a smile. “Don’t worry,  that guy will not be able to take me off guard. You of all people should know what I am capable of doing. I don’t go into a fight that I know I can’t win.” He added.

               “Yes, but sometimes your arrogances get the better of you and work against your favor. That’s what he worries about you the most. He said that someday, it would be your downfall. So you better pay attention to the times when you should assert your confidence otherwise you will be digging your own grave.” Sarah says with a stern tone before she disappears in their sights.