My gaze went blank, everything was so sudden, but at the same time I froze.
"What the hell is this girl saying?! What's wrong with her?"
Nameless started to get angry and approached the girl, trying to hit her, but... she didn't feel it. After all, she was just a disembodied ghost.
-Shiba, that's not right. Alan has alibis-
Hajime stood up for me, but Shiba still insisted I was responsible.
-Come on, this guy's been in more Daemon incidents than anyone in the room. Doesn't he seem suspicious to you?-
-Why don't we beat the truth out of him?-
Shinji stood up and began cracking his knuckles, showing off his enormous, trained muscles, resembling the ancient gladiators in novels.
-If we beat him, he'll surely transform-
Shiba, Isaac, and Shinji—those three were looking at me suspiciously, but Hajime wasn't, and Damian was in a sort of neutral state.
Perfect luck?
Ha, it should be imperfect luck. I'm far from lucky. I'm the luckiest person around. Why is this happening to me? I'm in the eye of a storm. I'm angry right now. This has never happened to me before, being falsely accused...
-Hey Shiba, I know you're arrogant, but I'm not a fucking Daemon-
-I don't believe you. There's also the possibility that Miguel is a Daemon. They usually cooperate if their goals are the same-
I gritted my teeth tightly. I was also incriminating Miguel. He didn't do anything; he just helped me.
-Even so, if I were a Daemon, academy security would have already identified and eliminated me-
-The Daemons are very knowledgeable about security, since Dilan could have told them about the security flaws. They can also camouflage themselves so no one recognizes them as threats. Even if we're inside the academy, there's a small chance there are Daemons among us-
At the clever girl's response, I had no choice but to clench my fists. My rage was so great that I could have hurt my own hands without realizing it.
«Shit… I can't say anything about everything she said… it's true no matter how much security there is, identifying a Daemon with the current security is difficult because they can imitate some human traits to a certain extent and the only way to identify them was to weaken them so their black magic is discovered or hurt them to see the corrupted blood, that girl will not admit her mistakes so easily»
-Isaac, can I break his bones with his friend? Right?-
The giant asked Isaac for his consent.
-Do it if you want-
Isaac's antipathy horrified me. No one in this place cared about him. Besides, that big guy was planning to break my friend's bones, and I won't allow that.
I hated getting into trouble, but this time I'll make an exception.
-If you want to fight so badly, then prepare to lose an arm, you fucking idiot-
-What did you say, you crazy son of a bitch?-
Shinji raised his voice and drew my sword, but Shinji just looked at me with disdain.
-You're a moron. Do you think you scare me just because you have a sword?-
Shinji began to position himself to attack, I put my defensive stance ready to activate the mythical ability. With it, I could surely cut off one of his hands or some fingers as a lesson.
-Stop!-
At that moment, Hajime stepped between us and even drew his sword.
-This isn't the time to fight, Alan, please calm down-
After those words, I began to calm down.
I just want to go train
-Let's go, kid. Those guys have no intention of leaving you alone. If you manage to get them to lose control, you'll lose-
Nameless supported me. I took a deep breath and calmed down again, but I felt like I was going to explode at any moment.
-If you have so many doubts about me, ask Hanami-
-What does she have to do with all this?-
-When she was being attacked by the Daemon, I went to her rescue. We eliminated her together. Didn't she tell you?-
-…-
I said this while looking at Shiba, she met my gaze calmly without saying a word.
-Now if you'll excuse me, I want to go-
I turned around but...
"Back off!!"
Nameless screamed and instinctively used the prototype and drew the [magic sword]
[Fenceman has been activated]
A huge giant flew in and his fist slammed into the sword
His fist was too fast and very destructive, but… I could hear a sound… a sharp crack echoed, my gaze was in disbelief the sword that was given to me broke in two, scattering its steel fragments across the ground
-Son of a bitch-
Shinji's words echoed, but I ignored them... the sword they gave me... from one of the few people who treated me well is destroyed.
Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! WHY?!!
Those words echoed in my mind…
«I can't take this anymore… I'm going to kill him»
[Muramasa has been activated]
[Episode 1-2-3 have been activated]
I began to use the forged sword and looked at Shinji with silent anger.
A violent burst of magical power imbued the blade, the pressure so great it seemed like a miniature tornado.
Now he was grateful to the stupid bootlickers who gave everyone ridiculous titles like this one, who called him the "king of wrestling."
-You son of a bitch, you never should have broken that-
The atmosphere suddenly turned icy. I was ready to cut off an arm or a leg as a lesson not to break my things.
Besides, my mana was being abruptly drained by the mythical ability, so I don't have much time.
"Alan, calm down. Don't lose control now!"
-Damn!-
We were both about to collide, but Hajime stopped me by blocking the attack with his sword, and Damian hit Shinji in the stomach with the handle of his spear, sending him flying into a wall.
The first collision with Hajime created a shockwave that destroyed part of the ground.
-How interesting-
Isaac said
-Alan, please calm down!-
-Do you think you can stop me?-
"Alan, don't do it!"
I began attacking Hajime and accumulated energy to launch [Ether Cannon] at the filthy pig.
The rank 1's eyes widened, and he began to exert more force.
The following clash of metal was different.
We both refused to give in. Hajime's eyes reflected concern, but mine were pure pent-up rage.
Fed up, I kicked the lightning-infused swordsman in the stomach, repelling him several meters to the right.
When the sword was fully charged, I looked at the filthy pig who was beginning to rise.
-You asked for it, pig...-
I started aiming to use [Ether Cannon]
"Alan!! No!!"
«This is the end for you!!»
Alan
A female voice echoed in my head. I felt like the passage of time itself had stopped. In front of that individual was Principal Sophia, along with a dog with wolf-like features, which was Konstantine.
Please don't do it.
The woman's face showed concern, a sad smile appeared.
The animal began to circle me, begging me not to do it.
Seeing them once more, I calmed down... if I did what I had in mind, I would surely become worse scum than them.
I deactivated the mythical ability.
I lowered my sword and canceled the spell, only to look with pity at the repulsive woman who had framed me.
-I feel so sorry for you, Shiba-
-What did you say?-
-With that attitude, you'll only make enemies. In the end, if you manage to become the leader of Yamato, it would only fall into ruin-
At that moment I released my mana not showing the dark aura that emanated from the Daemons, when the mana is expelled from the body of a Daemon for more than a few minutes inevitably the dark aura did so as well, I also cut my finger a little showing a red drop of blood showing my innocence before the girl's comment
-You see? I was never a Daemon, the attack I was trying to use is Ether for your information... if you had told me with some kindness like "hey expel your mana" or "prick your finger" I would have obeyed you but I just feel a little sad for your lack of trust, now call the girl she will give you the verdicts for my innocence-
My icy stare caused Shiba to react very nervously. Hajime's angry look, combined with Damian's disappointment, made the proud Shiba shrink in fear.
-Wait a minute-
Shiba clicked his tongue and started trying to call Hanami through the Video Transmitter.
***
[Third-person perspective]
Mirai Shiba called Hanami and asked if what Alan said was true. Hanami explained what had happened the day before, and it was exactly as Alan said. In fact, Hanami defended the boy from what had happened.
[You're an idiot! He helped me twice, so there's no way Alan is a Daemon! Didn't I tell you before?!]
-…-
Shiba remained completely silent at Hanami's firm response.
[Hey…]
Before Hanami could say another word, Mirai Shiba ended the video call outside. She was calm and unperturbed, but deep down she was extremely nervous as she looked into the boy's blue eyes, which contained a rage so immense it could burn anything.
The rage in the boy's eyes would never be forgotten. After proving the boy's innocence, the meeting broke up, and Alan, with traces of bitterness in his being, slowly ran away.
-Alan, wait!-
Hajime wanted to chase him, but Damian stopped him, shaking his head.
-No, Hajime. Alan's very frustrated right now. It's best if we give him some space-
Once the brief but fierce uproar had passed, the room fell silent. The three remaining people didn't speak. In the silence, Shiba looked at Shinji, massaging his stomach.
-Did it hurt?-
-I'm fine, but what happened...-
-You used your unique ability-
Many students knew the name of Shinji's unique ability.
The fighter, a simple ability that increases the power and resistance of his body, this ability was easy to understand and turned him into the person he is.
Alan managed to clash with his fist, but in the process his sword broke. In the second match against Hajime, he managed to stay on par and without hesitation, his level of reaction was surprising, as if he had eyes in the back of his head. In addition, what he used to increase and break his limits must be a unique ability.
-…-
Shinji didn't look at Shiba, he felt very sorry because his attack was blocked, something that never happened.
Shiba was still restless, still remembering the anger of that man. Apologizing right now was impossible. Surely when he saw her, he would attack her without hesitation. Besides, with this, his friendship points with Damian dropped drastically... all because of a wrong assumption. Right now, he was just regretting everything that happened.
*Beep
Suddenly, Hajime received a message.
[Hello, Hajime, a question. Has the meeting already started?]
It was from Miguel, whom Hajime decided to talk about.
***
[Alan Harwey's Perspective] [8:00 p.m.]
I was sitting on a bench, getting away from everyone to get some peace.
"AAAAAAAHHH!!"
I screamed so loudly to release the bitterness in my heart.
I couldn't stand this anymore. I could endure all the insults from anyone, but... being in that situation was like before... when I was the victim of abuse from others, it was the same scene again.
The children hitting me and psychologically assaulting me. Am I that unlucky? I've never done anything against anyone, I was just defending myself, but now I'm so... so powerless.
Why am I still here? Oh, right, it was because I wanted to become a millionaire hero... I'm regretting everything.
"Hey Alan, calm down, I understand your…"
-Don't say anything!-
I shouted with all my might, causing Nameless to shut up.
-They...! They'll never understand my pain! Those bastards who grew up with a silver spoon in their mouths! They've never, ever faced real pain... never experienced any hardship! Oh, of course, no one can understand me because they haven't experienced what it's like to be under my shoes! I hate, I hate them all, I want to beat them all up until they're in the hospital! Because I, because I'm the only one affected! Tell me, TELL ME, NAMELESS!-
I started to burst into tears. For once in my life, I felt like everything was falling apart. This world was dark, and all I had was myself for support.
Nameless began to float higher up, where the full moon shone, staring at me only to see the blue flame grow brighter.
"…It's true, I don't understand your pain… but are you going to let those wretched sons of bitches destroy you? Are you going to give up everything you've started?"
-Give up everything I've started?-
"If you give up on this, you'll never be the same again. You'll only be able to see the shadow of your dream… if you want to be strong, we'll do it together… we'll violently climb this hierarchy until no one looks down on us."
-…-
"We are the eminence among the shadows… they are nothing but trash, we will humiliate them, especially that spoiled girl… and no one, no one will harm us again. If no one believes in you, then I will believe in you. Let me see who you will become in the future. Don't let the world turn you into a bad person."
I was speechless. My friend was supporting me. Truth be told, he was the only one who might be able to help me. I cursed all the high-ranking officials. My mind was made up… I will destroy this entire system with my power.
When I wanted to talk to him…
-Brother!-
A familiar voice echoed. It was Miguel's.
He was running nonstop just to get to me. When he got in front of me, his breathing was very labored.
-Ha... Ha... I heard the whole fight, damn it, that disgusting bootlicker Shinji and that bitch Shiva. How dare they frame you. Brother, are you okay?-
-Yes... I'm fine... I just wanted to calm down a bit-
-Brother, I know you must be feeling outraged right now, and I have to tell you something... thank you!-
Those sudden words surprised me.
-Thank you? Thank you for what?-
-Well... for getting me out of the swamp, you and I are literally friends, you grew constantly thanks to your hard training, and I felt inspired by you, I was lazy at first but now I train every day because... you inspired me, I admire you for how you endured the attacks and the sensationalist rumors that say the worst about you, that's something to be respected since you're a real man, that's why I repeat... thank you, thank you for being my friend-
Hearing those words, tears began to flow from my eyes as I quickly dried them.
-Hey bro, don't cry, you'll make me cry too-
I could see Miguel's eyes were turning red.
-Why the fuck are you crying, haha?-
-Well... I'm a little sentimental about these things-
We both started laughing to ease the tension in the room a bit.
-Hey, how about we go to the Wing Kingdom? I'm treating, since I wasn't at that meeting to defend you, bro. Consider it an apology.
-Hey... you don't have to apologize, Miguel, but let's go anyway. I'm a little hungry from all the built-up stress.
-Yeah, let's go. Nothing calms the atmosphere like a good meal.
-Yeah... like you said... buddy.
-Hey bro, while you're at it, tell me about your unique ability.
-Well, it's a very long story. I think you'll get bored.
-Nah, I'm all ears. Besides, I'll entertain myself for a while.