Forter's POV:

I heard some groans from a guy inside the basement followed by some laughter while the groans were getting louder, maybe they got another victim again. Such idiot species...

I silently entered the basement and saw a guy beaten up by the four dumbheads who were cracking up at his miserable condition.

I wore my mask on and headed towards them. He was seated on the stool which was previously seated by the deceased victims of this organization.

“What's with this?” I interrupted. Soon after, they paved the way as they heard me. Cowards, as expected to these m*rons...

“Boss, we captured this guy. He's checking our den, maybe planning something…” One of them replied.

I narrowed my eyes on their captive. His head was leaning out of exhaustion. His clothing was filled with his blood, flowing down on the filthy floor that was also stained by the blood of the other.

I remained quiet as one of the goons grabbed the victim's hair, lifting his head. Now, I can see his features. I know him...

“He's not speaking like a mute. He has a gun on him. What now? Let's silence him at once.” One dumbhead spoke and aimed his revolver right on the guy's temple. This is annoying...

“No. Let him go…” I commanded.

“Why? We need to kill this guy before he does something?!” He blurted.

“Obey first before you complain…” I coldly spoke and gazed at him. They instantly let him go. That's right, they must follow me.

“What's your plan about this guy?” One annoyingly asked.

“He's one of my subordinates. You beat the sh*t out of him without any consultation coming from me. Get out of my sight before I explode your brains out of your narrow shells…” I warned, threatening their tails.

“Our apologies, boss…” And without wasting any second, they ceased.

I was left alone with him. I came close to check the beaten-up guy. Because of the brutal beating, moving is impossible to do for him.

“W-why did you lie?” He finally spoke and tried to lift his head, attempting to give a gaze on me.

“The answer was pretty obvious…” I squatted in front of him and removed my mask.

He lifted his head even more. I smirked as he's shocked after recognizing me. Yeah, who wouldn't be?

"“Y-you?” He unbelievably uttered.

“Get up. If this is for revenge, I'll let you have it. Be with us, and you'll be spared…” I stated. He will be used.

“No more asking, Mr. Buenavista…” He tried to apeak but I cutted him off as he tried to speak again. I hate being asked...

*****

Athena Rei's POV:

Another day had come. What happened that night was bizarre. I don't understand...

When I saw the two corpses which were hanging above the tree in the field in front, I immediately headed to my brother to tell him.

He called Caliber to help him check. My brother can't leave me behind because he's worried about my safety regardless of the two corpses near in front of our house…

The night went busy. They investigated while I'm inside, enabling me to join in.

I hadn't slept, I'm sleep-deprived when I arrived in class.

My brother Acer drove me to school. He doesn't want me to attend school but I insisted because of our performance task.

“Athena!” I looked back and saw Martin catching up. I'm in the school parking lot and about to head towards the school building. He seemed to have just arrived after me.

“Morning…” I weakly greeted.

“Yeah, it's morning and your look was already like that. You look like a grumpy old lady…” He said, teasing me. He's right. I'm not in the mood so he received a hard spank on his nape. It created a loud thud because of my hard nape slap.

“Ouch! Hey! That hurts!” He complained while rubbing his nape.

“Serves you right…” I hissed and he pouted.

“Sorry, I'm just kidding…” He started apologizing and even clasp his palms together.

“Talk to my palm. We're not close…” I arrogantly pronounced.

“Ouch, my heart just broke…” He acted in pain but I continued to walk and left him.

"Oi, wait!" He blurted and followed.

I ignored him and proceeded. In this state of mine, no one must mess with me. We might end up in the guidance office in no time.

“Hey! By the way, do you have any plans for Halloween?” Out of the blue, he asked that.

He finally catches up and speaks talkative. We got the attention of some students as we walked in the corridor. Martin's voice is like a megaphone, too loud.

“None…” I shortly replied then I rolled my eyes.

“By the way! Later in our lunch break, let's go outside! There's a restaurant in front of our campus. The food there was so good. And also, I will meet my friend there…” He spoke continuously, without a break.

“No!” I exclaimed. I'm stressed up today, because of that, I unintentionally shouted in the middle of the corridor...

***

Here I am, in front of this childish guy. I said I don't want to join him but ended up coming with him. This is distressing...

“Will he appear or not? What took him so long?” I impatiently asked, pertaining to his old friend.

“He's coming, just wait up!” Martin cheerfully said.

I started to eat. I can't wait any longer, I'm starving. Psh, if my brother Acer and Caliber know that I came outside the campus with this guy, I'm doomed.

After some minute, I saw Martin waving outside the glass wall. I looked at him and saw a guy with blonde hair, leaving two huskies inside his car...

My eyes widened and so did the guy when we both recognized each other.

“Christopher?” I blurted in disbelief.

“You know him?” Martin asked and looked at me confused.

“Yeah…” I simply replied.

Christopher entered the restaurant. I looked at him in a 'what-are-you-doing-here?' look.

“Hi, Athena…” He's shocked as well. I can tell from his expression.

“So, I don't need to introduce you both!” Martin exclaimed. He seemed so happy knowing that Christopher and I known each other.

“Schoolmates?” Christopher asked us. He's now cackling.

“No, not only that. We're classmates, and at the same time, friends!” Martin replied.

“By the way, how did you know each other?” Martin asked.

I looked at Christopher, he then smiled. Martin mustn't know the school we're in...

“We became classmates before…” Christopher shortly replied.

I'm silent while thinking of ways to answer in case he asks more.

“Ah! In Aguerre Academy? I see…” He suddenly said, I sighed in relief.

Christopher ordered beer and two roasted chickens. He treated us and we ate finely. They're good to hang out with, I can say.

“Maybe on my next visit, you two were already dating…” He teased which made Martin laugh.

“He's not my type…” I said in a monotone.

“Neither! I won't court her. She's always in the mood, like every day, she got this girly thing, they say…” Martin exclaimed like he's disgusted by the thought that we're dating. So as I, I wanna puke with that idea. I stepped on his foot that made him hissed in pain.

“Serves you right…” I mouthed.

“At least, I hadn't been dumped by five girls unlike this dude here…” Martin playfully said and tapped Christopher's shoulder.

They started teasing each other while I remained quiet, watching them. For a few minutes, my worries disappeared, a good start for this day.

As we did our meals, Martin paid the bills in Christopher's name. We waited for him at our table.

“Why are you outside Luxvell High? I thought they're not allowing anyone to get out” I whispered enough for him to be heard.

“I requested to transfer before the lockdown of Luxvell. I felt that the school won't be safe for me anymore…” He answered, simply stating the obvious.

I sighed. I understood him. Maybe, some of the students might be feeling that too, and I feel bad that I and Christopher were just the ones outside. I feel bad for Gian, Kenzo, Chelsea, my classmates, and for the others.

“Do you have any news from the others?” I hopingly inquired.

“As of now, I heard that Luxvell High is safe because no bad happenings occurred yet. The security system is in its tough role so I'm hoping that everyone will be fine now…” He explained.

When Martin finally arrived, Christopher bid goodbye. He will tour his two pets in the mini-park near our academy.

I sighed. Now, even a little, I can breathe in relief. Everyone might be safe now...