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Chapter 10: “The First Threat”
Morning – The Classroom
The morning sun filtered in through the classroom windows, casting soft light across rows of half-awake students. Conversations buzzed in scattered corners, the usual rhythm of Apex Academy resuming its monotony.
Rei and Kai stepped into the classroom just as the bell rang. Kai slouched into his chair with a yawn, while Rei moved with precise calmness, like a piece sliding into place on a chessboard. He took his usual seat by the window, the perfect spot for observing—or ignoring—everything.
Haruto entered moments later.
The moment he stepped through the door, Rei noticed it—not in the sound, but in the atmosphere. Like a sudden spike in humidity before a storm, Haruto’s frustration radiated in waves. His steps were heavier than usual, his jaw tight, and his gaze unwavering.
But Rei?
He didn’t spare him even a glance. His fingers tapped the desk in idle rhythm, his expression as blank and unreadable as a mirror turned to the wall.
The teacher arrived. Lectures began. Pages turned.
Time passed.
Eventually, the bell marking the lunch break echoed through the halls.
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Break Time – Cafeteria
The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime chatter, trays clattering and students moving in chaotic patterns. Rei and Kai sat at their usual table—isolated enough to avoid noise, visible enough to not seem suspicious.
Their trays were perfectly arranged, Kai eating with casual bites, Rei with practiced efficiency.
Kai: "You really didn’t react at all back there. Haruto was fuming."
Rei: (calmly, stirring his drink) "Why should I? His anger holds no value."
Kai let out a low scoff, stabbing his chicken with a plastic fork.
Kai: "Still, I don’t like that guy. He walks like he owns the place. It’s irritating."
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Rei smirked faintly, hiding the amusement behind a neutral mask.
Rei: (lying smoothly) "Oh? Then I suppose we think alike."
Kai seemed pleased, nodding with the kind of satisfaction that came from feeling understood.
(How predictable.)
Suddenly, the school announcement system crackled to life overhead.
> "Attention all students: Due to administrative meetings, classes will end early today at 1 PM. Please head home promptly."
Rei noted the change instantly. More time in the afternoon. More room to plan.
Perfect.
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Last Period – Classroom
By the final class, the atmosphere had shifted. Students buzzed with excitement over the early dismissal. Some packed their bags prematurely. Others leaned into whispered conversations.
Rei leaned back, seemingly relaxed, but inside, his thoughts ticked with precision. His mental checklist for the day was nearly complete.
Then—a shadow. A movement.
A folded note landed silently on his desk.
He picked it up without surprise and unfolded it.
> "Come to the abandoned storage behind the gym. Or I will expel you from school."
A beat passed.
Then—he smiled. Slowly. Calmly.
A knowing, dangerous smirk crept across his lips.
(Desperation. How amusing.)
He stood, tucked the note into his pocket, and walked out without a word.
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Behind the Gym – The Confrontation
The storage building behind the gym was old—fenced off, half-forgotten, and drenched in shadow. Weeds curled through cracked concrete. The perfect place for hidden things.
Haruto stood dead center, arms crossed. He was tense. His stance screamed authority, but his eyes betrayed the chaos simmering beneath.
Rei approached casually, hands in his pockets, movements smooth and unrushed.
Rei: (flatly) "What do you want now?"
Haruto’s eyes narrowed into blades.
Haruto: "You’re a disappointment."
Rei offered no reaction. Silence was the sharpest weapon in his arsenal.
Haruto’s jaw clenched.
Haruto: "Leave the school."
Rei: (tilting his head, amused) "And why should I?"
Haruto stepped forward, his voice low—threatening.
Haruto: "Because if you don’t, you’ll be beaten until you have no choice."
A long pause.
Then—Rei laughed.
It started soft, controlled. But it grew—cool, hollow, and laced with disdain.
Rei: (grinning coldly) "Bring it on, then."
Haruto’s body tensed. His arm twitched, the threat of violence seconds from erupting—
"STOP."
Kai’s voice rang out, sharp and sudden.
From the shadows, Kai stepped into view, his expression unreadable, but his stance protective.
Kai: "Enough. If you start a fight here, I’ll report everything to the principal."
Haruto froze. Rage simmered in his clenched fists. For a moment, it looked like he might defy them both.
But then—
Haruto: (through gritted teeth) "Tch."
He turned and stormed away.
Kai exhaled and shook his head.
Kai: "See? That’s exactly why I hate that guy."
Rei straightened his collar, unfazed.
Rei: (smoothly) "I could’ve beaten him easily." (Then, almost reassuring) "But don’t worry."
Kai nodded, pulling out his phone.
Kai: "Here. Just in case. Contact me if he tries anything again."
They exchanged numbers—WhatsApp and Instagram.
(A connection strengthened. How convenient.)
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After School – Walking Home
As the school gates opened, students flooded out like water released from a dam. Rei and Kai walked side by side.
Kai: "If Haruto does anything, let me know."
Rei: (smirking) "Oh… yes."
At the next intersection, their paths split—Kai turned right, Rei left.
And the moment Rei was alone, the mask slipped.
His expression hardened.
The smirk faded into something cold. Clinical.
Rei (internally): (Now… I have to prepare for my tests. But first… what’s next?)
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Home – 2 PM
Rei entered his quiet home, placed his bag precisely by the door, and headed to the dining table.
His movements were mechanical—routine born from discipline. He ate in silence, every motion measured.
But his mind?
Already moving at full speed.
By the time he finished, the day’s events were filed away—analyzed, categorized, and cross-referenced in his mental library.
Then, he picked up his phone.
A few
taps later, he was inside a hidden encrypted marketplace.
(It’s time to make some purchases.)
His eyes gleamed at the possibilities.
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