Chapter 4: Its Conclusion

After the breathtaking and tiring battle between Ian and me, the game had drawn to its conclusion.

[The Game has ended.]

A message from the system appeared saying the results of our game.

[Name: Kuro
No. of Death: 1
No. of Kills: 38]

I clicked the exit button and the screen in my VR gear turned black. I removed all of the equipments that attached to my body and started feeling cold with all the sweats that I had due to the excitement that I had felt during the game. I remembered the smile that Devin made during our last moments of fighting. What was that cold smile for? I thought it was because he thought he had the upper hand but that was not the case. Should I ask him?

While spacing out, a sound of machine suddenly echoed in the center hall, which kicked me back to my composure. It was the machine, hanging on the ceiling, pulling up the rooms that were dividing the hall and served as our room as we played. It is in form of robotic hand with two fingers that looked like a clip. What’s with the technology of this academy? What’s with the budget?

“That was a good fight.”

Ian suddenly approached me. It turned out that we played the game next to each other.

“I admit, it felt good too,” I said back. “Even though it didn’t have proper end,” I muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

While talking to Ian, I spotted Devin. Our eyes met and when I was about to greet him a wave, he turned his gaze away. His eyes were emitting cold vibes that I could feel even from afar.

It is always like this, I could tell it right away when he’s not in mood because of his eyes. Maybe I am just good at reading people’s thoughts and feelings. However, why is this guy approaching me anyway? I thought he don’t like me? I couldn’t care less if he suddenly acts ‘buddy-buddy’ with me. I am just curious about his motive for approaching me. Well, I don’t like butting in other people’s business.

As for Devin’s tantrums…, I’ll just talk to him later.

“Good job everyone!” The emcee who was standing at the stage suddenly spoke and his voice echoed in the hall.

“It was a splendid game. As you can see, we had your game watched to evaluate your scores, your ability to think in situations where your life is in critical state. We still have three days to go, take a rest for now because tomorrow will be another hell for you to overcome.” He announced.

***

After the announcement, I decided to eat and took a bath. Devin didn’t eat with me this time but Ian did. What is he doing? Did I perhaps catch his attention or is this is ways to pursue me to take his seat?

Are you perhaps asking why many students are obsessed in the top spot? Let me explain why. Being a top student will give you a lot of benefit that you’d never get in the old education system. As the top student, your position is higher than the president of the student council, all of your tuition will be free as long you can defend your position, you can make your own law and you can live in the academy. Most of the students think that being a top student is like reaching and living in heaven, but no. In my own perspective, being a top student is tiring and a pain. As I said in the first chapter of this novel-like story of mine, people would always do things that could ruin your image if you are living your life at the top. I don’t want that thing, but for the sake of the friendship of Devin and me, I’d do my best to reach this so-called top spot.

“What are you trying to do, Ian?” I asked.

I said that I don’t care about us being buddy-buddy but my mind keeps bugging me to ask his reasons.

“Will you take the top spot from me?” He asked.

A sudden embarrassed smile appeared to his face. I didn’t know that he could smile like this.

We were walking toward our designated building. Students kept glancing us as if I am the one who was following this guy. Their cold and pissed eyes were emitting bad vibes. If those glances were spears, I might be dead already.

“You see, I couldn’t care less if you suddenly start wandering near me or even acting as my buddy. Honestly, I don’t care about the reason why you are demanding me to take your spot but I want to know your reasons,” I said.

Did I just contradict myself?

“This is not a demand or an order, this is a favor,” he said. “I want you to take the top spot from me because I know this academy will fall into good hands.”

His eyes were illuminating cold blue light as he said those words. His face turned serious and sincere.

What’s with this cold vibes coming from him? I could tell that he isn’t lying but my guts is telling me I should be wary of him. Is this because I am sensing something that I can’t explain?

“O-Okay. In any case, I’d still try to take the top spot from you even if you don’t ask for it.”

I managed to speak somehow. That’s right, the top spot is already my goal after Devin and I decided to compete for it. This coincidence isn’t strange at all.

“That’s a relief then. I should go now.” Ian sighed.

“Eh? Wait, are you telling me that you’d leave me in this situation?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Can’t you sense the killing intent of the students who are at us?”

“K-Killing, what!?” Ian stammered.

He looked around and it took a moment for him to realize that people were staring at us with their eyes shaded dark. It turned out that his popularity wasn’t just based from his position but also his looks. A lot of students were starting at me as if I am a slut or an insect that sucks blood that was wandering around him. He seemed popular amongst females students who want to marry a 2D characters or an idol because of his hair shaded in gray.

“A-Anyway, maybe I should accompany you after all,” said Ian.

“You should,” I said.

I’m a bit tired today, it was because of the excitement I felt while fighting that is why I can’t argue with anyone right now. I have to use Ian as shield, they are afraid to approach him. Maybe because of the intimidating vibes that he’s emitting.

We arrived in the room. I looked at Devin’s bed and he was already in deep sleep. Should I wake him up and ask what’s wrong? No. Maybe I should wait for tomorrow.

***

After that tiring day, the camp continued. At the third day of the camp, we had a debate. The next two days were also tiring, they made us wear a formal attire and give an speech for the changes that we want to see in the future of this academy, and in the last day, we had a very long test that was composed of 300 items per subject.

Today, they are about to announce the one who is going to take the top spot. Devin never approached me after that day, I tried approaching him one time but he just ignored my presence. He never ate in the cafeteria either. Why would he suddenly start avoiding me? Did I do something that made him despise me?

Arrgh! I can’t stop thinking.

Right now, we were at the center hall, which was decorated in colorful manner, as if we were about to graduate from this academy. The stage where the most important persons like our principal were sitting was having a design with three starts hanging from the ceiling and a sun with eight rays on its floor.

They are quite patriotic. Well, this is the most prestigious academy in the nation right now, I couldn’t blame them.

“Ahum.” The emcee coughed. “First thing first, let me congratulate all of you for surviving the hell week! You should give all of yourselves a round of applause!”

The sounds of claps were echoing as if you could see the sound waves that were bouncing against the wall of the large center hall. You could feel the exhaustion just by hearing and seeing the way they clap their hands.

“A-Anyway, we should hear the speech of the principal first.” His awkwardness was evident this time.

The principal stood up and walked towards the podium that was located at the left side of the stage. The buttons of his polo were having a hard time holding his skin from getting revealed. His triple-layered chin was like steps in a stairs to climb his mountain-like lips, end his eyes were big, it looked like they are about to pop out. This figure was a common figure of corrupt politicians.

I’m not judging people by their physical appearance but it seems like the rumors are true. I couldn’t care less either. I just despise these greedy politicians.

“What a good morning everyone!”

Everyone gulped after hearing the first words of the principal.

He talked about how he enjoyed watching us being competitive to each other and mentioned his plans and development for the academy. As usual, many students believed his flowery words and ended up giving applause.

After his seemingly endless speech, other VIPs also said their speech. Now, it’s finally the time for the announcement of the results.

“Now, let us see who took the top spot this time.” He grinned. “Are you ready?!”

The tension in the hall was making the atmosphere heavy.

“Now!”

The large screen at the right side of the stage flashed the name of the top three students. Everyone’s eye kept staring on the screen and couldn’t believe what they weree seeing.

“K-K-Kuro!?”

Some of my classmates were shocked. Some of them had their jaw dropped and many students started staring at me with a thick bloodlust. I could see Devin’s piercing glare.

“The one who took the top spot is… Mr. Kuro!”

It was my name that was in the first place, at the second spot is Devin and Ian. Their scores were tie. It seems like they decided not to show the scores that we made. This may cause bit conflict but I bet that was the best decision. If they revealed that scores we had, most of the students will ask again how or what method they had used to total our scores which will surely lead to conflict because students won’t zip their mouths criticizing the academy. Well, this academy has made their bed for raising students who are good in debating.

“I don’t need to worry after all.”

Ian suddenly approached me amidst the crowd.

“…”

I didn’t say anything. Students were staring at us. I know it’s not his intention to gather more attention, but I am sure that this situation is misleading for others. I could even see Devin’s eyes having more shade of black. Is this why he started avoiding me? No. That is an utter nonsense. I’m sure that Ian never acted close to me before the second day. Then, if it isn’t Ian, what or who could be the reason? Why would he suddenly start avoiding me?

Murmurs were filling the atmosphre and everything that was surrounding me felt unusual. I suddenly felt a narrowing on my chest and I couldn’t breathe. Is it happening again?

I held my chest tight and lost my balance. Why? Why is it suddenly happening again? Why am I experiencing this narrowing of my chest?

Everything suddenly turned black and I lost my consciousness.

***

What is happening? My body feels cold?

I opened my eyes and began hearing unfamiliar voices that were like bouncing against the wall of this cramped room. I woke up with my hands and feet tied tightly on a small chair. How long I’ve been sleeping?

“The pretty boy is awake now,” said by the guy who looked like a thug and licked his lip.

What is happening?

“I-Isn’t this dangerous Kuya?”

(‘Kuya’ is a Filipino term used to address men who are older than you or to address your older brother(s)).

A frail-looking plain guy spoke like a scared cat.

“The boss should be here now. We should hurry and make this guy suffer as he ordered.” The guy who was sitting on the small couch.

“W-Wait! T-The boss said nothing like that! He just said we should hold him until he arrived.” The plain guy stuttered.

“I don’t care. This is what he meant by saying that. What if this guy fought us? The boss said he’s on the top spot right? Then he must be good in combat. That’s why we should make him think he’s in a tight situation and he should behave like a dog.” The thug’s smile widened.

“Y-You’re r-right.”

“Then, let me get the shear,” ordered by the guy who was sitting on the couch.

S-Shear? What are they going to do with that? And where am I? Why am I tied tightly and sitting in the middle of this cramped room? I can’t see any way outside but the front door. What is happening?

“You should scream out of despair, Mr. Top.”

Eh?

He suddenly grabbed my right foot and removed my thumbnail using the shear that he was holding. I could feel the blood coming out from the thumb of my foot.

“Stop!!!” I screamed out of pain caused the removal of my fingernail. I couldn’t grasp myself from saying any word and all I could do is to scream from that pain that I have felt.

“Isn’t this fun? Look how frail this top student is. His body reminds me of the girl I banged last time.”

“That is enough!” A familiar voice shouted.

Devin? Don’t tell me…, no, you came to save me, right?

“That’s enough Del’Vin, you should not feel that way. This guy betrayed your friendship, right?”

An old man appeared behind Devin as he entered the room. Even in darkness and all I could see is his figure from behind, I could tell who he was.

“Principal.” My eyes turned intense. My eyebrows were crossing and my face wrinkled.

“R-Right,” Devin stammered.

“What do you think you are doing, Devin!?” I asked.

He suddenly smiled with his teeth exposed. His eyes were emitting killing intent as if he’s gone mad.

“Why are you asking me? You should be the one who is asking yourself, you bastard.”

What is this? This isn’t the Devin I know. These words would never go out of his tongue.

“What wrong, Devin?” I asked as my body trembled.

What is this? Am I feeling fear right now?

“You still have the guts to ask me that after betraying me?” His face became even more furious. He moved his face close to mine. “If you really want to know, then think about it after what I am about to do,” he grinned.

A clenched fist suddenly dashed to my right cheek. A taste of salty blood lingered in my mouth. I felt my head spinning and suddenly, my sight turned blurry, all I could see was the mirage-like figures of people in the dark room.

***

I opened my eyes. A sudden blow of strong win made my body shiver. I looked around, we were in a long bridge and there were only three people, it was me, Devin, and the Principal.

“You’re awake. Now, let us end this.”

The wind blew again after Devin said those words. The silence made the sound of river below us loud. The coldness of the wind and the look shaded with killing intent coming from Devin were the reasons why my body shivered down to my spine.

“What did I do, Devin?” I asked again.

My mind was in agony, everything esd making me confused. This isn’t the Devin I know. He would never do this.

“Ask yourself,” he again said these words. “You’ve made your bed after betraying me.”

“Is it about the top spot? Why? I deserve what I have achieved, right?”

“You don’t deserve to be here! You don’t deserve to be at the top! You are just a mere pebble on the side of the road and yet,” he sniffled. “And yet you still managed to climb the peak!?” Devin said as he slowly pushed me towards the river. His ocean eyes turned even darker, but this time, it was drawing my attention with its killing intent. The atmosphere in the bridge turned even denser. I almost couldn’t bring myself to say a single word.

“I-I,” I stuttered. “I deserve what I have achieved! Why are you doing this to me? Aren’t we friends? Devin?” I asked as my body trembled with coldness, anger, and fear. I tried using the nickname I gave him but it never worked. These feelings made me shiver. It was terrifying.

“Don’t listen to him Del’Vin, he is just trying to make you pity him. Don’t listen to fakes like him. He betrayed you, right?” An old man with a round-looking fat body spoke out of thin air while having a grin at Devin’s back. I couldn’t see the old man’s face because of the darkness of our surrounding. But I am sure, it was the corrupt principal of the academy. My hands were clenching as I looked at Devin’s eyes.

“Don’t listen to him Del’vin! I have never betrayed you!” I shouted with my voice broken. I used his real name this time.

“Shut yer crap! You should have just left the academy after you betrayed me. Your death won’t even affect me. You’re just a filthy rat from a peasant’s family. I have never once treated you as friend! Good bye, Kuro.” His eyes that were shaded with anger pierced through my shattered heart. In a silent bridge, where no one seemed be crossing, he pushed me with his cold forceful hands without even hesitating. I felt my chest narrowing, aching by the fact that my only friend betrayed me. My teeth were grating, my hands were bleeding from the tight grip as I clench them.

It hurts.

“Del’Vin!” I screamed as I fell from the bridge down to the cold noisy river, not knowing what I should really feel. It was like a scene from a movie in slow motion. If I were to view this from a third person point of view, I would have surely cried. But this scene isn’t fictional.

I wish it was.

I closed weary eyes before my body dumps into the river.

I should have known from the start that I can’t trust anyone. I should have known from the start that everyone is full of secrets and lies. Why did I trust him? Trust? What is that anyway? Why am I thinking about this trust?

I could feel the warmth of my tears even though the deep, dark, and cold river was surrounding my frail and small body. I could feel the pressure of the water as I go deeper. My consciousness was starting to fade, I feel sleepy, feel cold. Is this what death feels like?

Everything was seemed blurry; my sight is getting darker as my eyes closed. Slowly, I became feeling numb.

My life came to its conclusion.